When we think of social networking, many of us immediately think of Facebook, with its more than 800 million active users. But Google Hangouts, the video conferencing feature of Google+, may yet give Google an edge over the reigning king of the social media world.
Yes, Google+ and Facebook have more than a passing resemblance: their interfaces are similar, as are the 'like' button on Facebook and the +1 button on Google+. Some diehard Facebook fans have even accused Google+ of ripping off Facebook's features.
But that's where Google Hangouts comes in. The service enables live video sessions between as many as 10 participants. Facebook's similar feature, thanks to a deal with Skype, only allows one-on-one video chats.
Thanks in no small part to Hangouts, Google+'s fan base is growing fast. It now has more than 170 million users - and counting.
Other fun features on Google Hangouts include the ability to record a video gathering, broadcast it on YouTube, and track the number of viewers. Users can also play dress-up with a range of amusing digital effects: they can don elaborate hats, clown faces or snorkelling masks - all of which detect and follow their head movements.
What's more, Google+ can also provide those who are hearing impaired with a transcript of what is going on in a video session in real time, letting them participate, too.
A video 'hangout' can be started at any time and from anywhere - even a mobile phone. By simply pressing the blue Hangout button, users are brought to the Hangouts screen where many other features are available, like Web apps, text chats and screen sharing.