Facebook has a facelift

So facebook has a facelift, but if it is more like a botox than a facelift you be the judge of that. One thing is clear orkut gets one up on facebook with its themes after its much talked about new look which was alleged to be more like facebook!

The changes even though subtle is useful and makes it looks a little less clutter free.


In case you still with old facebook try http://new.facebook.com
So what do you think ?

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Google launches OpenSocial for a Face-Off with Facebook

Google has finally made its move to take on Facebook head-on. After Microsoft took a 240 Mil stake in Facebook Google had no option but to fight Facebook. Facebook was growing much to the discomfort of Google, and unlike the past where Google just flexes its monetary muscle and buys out competition this time it was left out in the cold when Facebook turned down the offer of Google and when Microsoft and Facebook Teamed up it was obvious where facebook aligned.

In this I.T. war just like cold war there are NO neutrals and any company with considerable user base has to pick one of the big three !

Google has a problem its social networking site sucks, Orkut is trying hard to ward off Facebook with its makeover, overhauling its search but Facebook was creating a world of its own with its own rules, a world inaccessible by Google and we all know how much Google hates when it can access a market !

So Google launches OpenSocial a fancy name for a concept copied from Facebook of have a platform for developer to make widgets / add-ons / apps.

The OpenSocial community include MySpace, Engage.com, Friendster, hi5, Hyves, imeem, LinkedIn, Ning, Oracle, orkut, Plaxo, Salesforce.com, Six Apart, Tianji, Viadeo, and XING.

In some ways this is a masterstroke by google by providing a seamless platform and service it ensures its integration into every major social website by making its API industry standard. This seamlessness is what Google does best which ensures its success and survivability over a longer run.

The developers are happy they don't have to bother different Apps for different website, The Websites are happy they don't have to run after developer to excite them to make Apps for their site and so is the user who can use the same App at many websites with ease and the happiest them all is Google.

[Source: Googlesystem, Techcrunch]

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Orkut Searching for better search and better Luck

Orkut is hellbent on improving itself, and the latest effort is to improve the search of Orkut. Orkut has made some significant changes to its look and its mass appeal in recent times in the wake of serious competition such as Facebook, Myspace and many other niche networking sites. Many felt orkut was caught napping in terms of design and features which allowed other to claim the Networking turf.


As this chart shows Orkut is fast loosing ground to Facebook which prompted some major changes in Orkut which had lost the plot by being stagnant for way too long.



Orkut need more a fancy search to stop the attrition they need a whole heap of luck.

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Orkut 's New Look - Revamped !

(Click to enlarge)

It was about time some would say, most people had enough of the Blue and purple of Orkut.


The change was imminent considering the serious threat to orkut from other major player in the social networking space like Facebook which had attracted plentiful with it advantages of third party Application and Myspace. Orkut off late have drawn criticism regarding privacy issues and a dull and uninspiring interface. They have tried to address at least one issue at the moment.

The change isn't drastic just a bit rounded edges and a little toned down blue and more of white !

[Via Orkut Blog]

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