Google Acquires SocialDeck - What Does this Mean for Google’s Future?
Computers & Technology → Internet
- Author Wendy Suto
- Published November 28, 2010
- Word count 680
It seems that in recent times, Google has made some mistakes when coming up with new programs. Google Accelerator, Google Answers, and Google Wave are all examples of programs that flopped. And with the recent merger of Yahoo and Bing, Google might be losing its grip on the search engine monopoly. However, it seems that Google may have something up its sleeve. Recent acquisitions reveal that the Internet giant has big plans for their social network platform that is currently under development. And it seems they are taking every measure to ensure that this next project of theirs won't be a flop, and can even rival social media giant Facebook.
This is evident by the fact that Google recently purchased social gaming developer SocialDeck, which is one of five acquisitions made in August. The popular games created by SocialDeck, such as Pet Hero and Color Connect, are available across a variety of platforms, including Blackberry, iPhone, and Facebook. SocialDeck uses their own social gaming platform technology, which enables simultaneous game play across mobile devices and social networks.
With the acquisition of SocialDeck, Google will be able to integrate SocialDeck's games into their future social network. In addition, Google is looking to either purchase or work out deals with other social gaming companies which work over multiple platforms, such as Zynga, Playdom, and Playfish, which all currently produce games popular on Facebook, such as Mafia Wars.
It seems Google may have some big plans in store. Chris Morrison of InsideSocialGames.com mentioned the possibility that Google is working on a viral platform for the web and its own mobile devices, like Android. Earlier this summer, Google purchased social application developer Slide, and also has purchased other companies involved in social gaming and other aspects of social networking. Just days before acquiring SocialDeck, Google purchased Angstro, which developed Knx.to, an address book that combines a user's connections from social networks. Google also has acquired Jambool, which makes "virtual currency," and visual shopping engine Like.com. Each acquisition is another piece to the puzzle of what Google is planning.
Google's activity has been generating a lot of buzz over the Internet. Many speculate, "Will this social network," rumored to be called Google Me, "be the ultimate social network? Will it dethrone Facebook as king of social media?" While the growing popularity of Facebook caused many people to flee from MySpace, there is no guarantee we'll see people fleeing from Facebook to join Google Me in the same manner, but it's certainly a possibility. With confusing and ever-changing privacy policies, some Facebook users might be eager to make the transition to a new social network. There are also rumors that the way Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg was negatively portrayed in box-office smash The Social Network might turn away Facebook users if they have another option for social media.
While some are predicting success for Google, others are not so optimistic. Danny Sullivan, editor in chief of Search Engine Land, has taken note of Google's unsuccessful attempts at social media, such as Google Buzz, and doesn't foresee Google Me as an instant success. He states, "So far, Google's failed to have a hit in the social-networking space, swinging and largely missing with both Orkut and Buzz. It's unclear whether a third, new service (or a renamed Buzz) will do that much better."
Negative press regarding Google Buzz alone has caused some to be doubtful that Google can gain a foothold in the realm of social media. Harry McCracken, the founder of tech site Technologizer.com, believes that the failure of Buzz shows that people may not want their relationship with Google to be a foundation for social networking.
When Google's social platform emerges, possibly later this year, we'll see how these applications integrate and whether or not Google will achieve the success it's after. If Google has made wise choices and can provide a social site that provides users what they want, and has features not found on Facebook, including clear-cut privacy policies, Google Me just might prove to not be another Google Wave.
Wendy Suto, President and CEO of Search Circus, which is a full service certified and ethical search engine optimization and marketing firm that offers social media marketing, corporate blogging, PR distribution, PPC consulting, link building and other online marketing solutions with proven results.
Article source: https://articlebiz.comRate article
Article comments
There are no posted comments.
Related articles
- What is CCTLD?
- Gulf Website Hub Reveals Fresh Digital Solutions to Enhance Dubai's Expanding Market.
- Embrace Multi Graphics Inc. Expands Services to Meet Growing Demand in Digital Marketing, Design, and Printing
- Website Development Trends in 2025
- Viewing Instagram Stories Without an Account: Imginn Viewer Insights
- How to Find, Use, and Manage BitLocker Recovery Keys on Windows 10/11
- Building a Professional Website on a Budget: Using Free Tools like WordPress and AI
- Ava Labs CEO On Why You Shouldn't Ignore Red Flags In The Industry
- Cyberbullying: Empowering Families to Safeguard Their Kids
- 10 Common Online Scams to Avoid: Protecting Your Identity and Finances
- Spring Break and Staying Secure Online: An Internet Safety Guide for College Students
- Unveiling the Future: The 10 Revolutionary Trends Shaping Small E-Commerce Businesses in 2024
- Unlocking Online Content with YouTube Video Downloaders
- Unleashing the Potential of Online Earning: A Comprehensive Guide
- Navigating Success in the Digital Realm: Unveiling the Power of Digital Marketing
- How AI Will Affect the Future of Search
- Maximizing Business Efficiency: The Strategic Role of Business Intelligence with DataInseyets
- Cyber Resilience in the Age of AI
- Harnessing the Power of AI & Blockchain for Data Security and Transparency
- AI Ignites 6G Advancements in Wireless Technology
- How AI is Revolutionizing Content Writing
- What You Need to Know About Writing Prompts
- The Remarkable Ways to Use the AI-Powered Chatbot
- Where Will AI Take Us in 2024?
- AI Written Content Creation Trends for 2024
- Will AI-Linked Cryptocurrency Sector Thrive in 2024?
- Is AI Regulation vs AI Deregulation a Real Concern?
- Prompt Engineering: A Beginner's Guide to Prompt Engineering
- Balancing Innovation and Regulation of AI in the Future
- Crafting AI Short-Form Content: The Future of Digital Marketing