Since it was launched just two short weeks ago on June 28, 2011 as an invite-only field testing "project", Google's newest venture into social networking has been a HUGE success. The company reported to have hit 10 million users at the time of publishing. 

If you do not yet have Google+, Like us on Facebook and click here for your own Google+ invite.

Those that remember the #epicfails of Google (Wave and Buzz) will be pleased to know that Google really stepped up their game this time around. Maybe for Google, the third time really is the charm.

Google+ capabilities include, but are not limited to: Video chat with up to 10 people (called Hangouts), the ability to create a shortcut or an app to have Google+ on your desktop/taskbar (see image above), Circles to easily communicate with certain groups of friends or hide posts from certain people, plus the ability to bold, italicize or strikethrough words in posts (which is just plain cool).

For help with creating a shortcut or an app for Google+ click here.

The thing that makes Google+ such a great new "project" is the fact that it combines some of the best characteristics of each of the other popular social media tools and networks. Glimpses of Twitter, Tumblr, and especially Facebook can be seen when using Google+. 

Just for Fun! Facebook vs. Google+ Photos!

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