Exciting Stuff!
Google introduced the preview of Friend Connect to developers.
At a Google Campfire One event on May 12, 2008, developers were given a sneak peek of Friend Connect. Now, information has been posted to Google’s Developer site for the rest of us.
Friend Connect is an amazing tool that allows webmasters a quick and easy way to add social features to their existing websites.
What an understatement…
To appreciate Friend Connect, you really need to see it in action. For a demo and a really good guacamole recipe, check this out:
Webmasters
Gadgets, available from Google or by third party developers, are easy for webmasters to select and add to their webpages.
What Gadgets?
Members - The core gadget that allows users to login and become part of the community.
Review - Users can add comments and rate the site.
Other gadgets – Created with OpenSocial by indepedent developers. One example is a gadget that allows users to add photos to the site.
How It Works
JavaScript code is generated and webmasters can copy/paste the code directly into their webpage. Then, a simple save/publish and the features are live. Friend Connect can turn a static website into a social site almost immediately.
Users
Visitors can sign-in to the website with a Google account, Yahoo account, AIM or other OpenID providers. Once they do, they are given the chance to bring their existing social network with them. Current social network choices are: Facebook, LinkedIn, Hi5, Orkut, and Google Talk. Others are planned to be supported.
Friend Connect gives users a way to interact with social networks on websites.
Application Developers
Appication developers can publish their gadgets where webmasters can easily find and use them in their websites.
Friend Connect is available in a limited beta release, a preview for selected webmasters and application developers. Google is welcoming feedback and suggestions on what webmasters and developers like and other features they would like to see.
Want to be part of the limited beta? Check out the waiting list… I’m in line.
Think of the potential. Friend Connect opens the Social Web for virtually all websites.
Filed under: Google, Web 2.0 | Tagged: Friend Connect, Google, programming, social web
