Google Friend Connect officially launched in May 12, 2008 [via Google Press Center]

Google Friend Connect is in BETA stage at the moment and requires people to register to be white-listed to use the service.  Since my blog is fairly new anyways I figured I give it a shot and find out if this is a good Social Media Tool that Google claims it to be.

*Updated* – Google Announced December 4th 2008 that it will be open to any website owner to add Friend Connect in response to Facebook Connect.

Setting up

The first thing I had to do was set up a new site to use this service.  Apparently this service will only work on self hosted sites where you would have to download 2 .html files to upload to your main server.

After setting up .html files, you are directed to choose a Gadget or Widget from the gallery.  Apparently there will be tons of open apps to be available but for now there seems to be just 3 main apps.

• Add a Member Gadget – Similar to MyBlogLog’s members widget where users can add their profile to your site.
• Wall Gadget – This gadget allows users to interact with your site by posting comments, or links to videos on your site.  Similar to a Shoutbox.
• Review/Rate Gadget - This gadget allows users to rate a page, or a section of a page. Users rate videos, articles, books, photos, songs, etc etc.   This gadget is similar to the rating plug-ins or widgets currently out there in the blog world.

Review

*12/5 Update* - I added the wall feature at the very bottom aswell, please feel free to test this new tool

Post from: Social Media Vision

Beta Testing Google Friend Connect Similiar To MyBlogLog & Rival Facebook Connect