Google launches 'Photovine' picture-based social network

Even while it is getting raves for its upcoming social network Google+, search giant Google already appears to be building a second network of sorts. Photovine.com went online this week, claiming to connect people through their photos to create "fun and new" vine-like "collections" of photos. "In Photovine, vines connect you with people through the ideas and themes expressed in your photos. A vine is like a constantly growing family of photos connected through a common caption created by you, your friends, and people all over the world," the description on the site's About page said. While Google's name does not figure prominently in the site, its privacy notice shows Photovine "is offered by Slide (part of Google Inc., located at 1600 Amphitheatre Parkway, Mountain View, CA, USA)." Interestingly, the splash screen shows what appears to be an iPhone, and not a smartphone running Google's Android OS.

On the site, people can add photos to vines and also share their own stories, "in a way that's social, creative, and fun." Some examples of vines it cited included "What Weekends Are Made Of"; "Secret Stuffed Animal"; "Party People"; or, "Love of My Life." The site hinted it would be a wholesome one, discouraging people from posting photos they would not want their family to see. "If you find yourself with a photo that you're not sure is a good idea to post, it's probably not. As a rule of thumb, if you wouldn't want your family to see it, you probably shouldn't post it," it said. Besides, it said the Photovine community is "uber public," where "anyone can see your photos, even if they're not following you." One can follow or unfollow a fellow user, just like on Twitter. One can also flag what he or she thinks is an inappropriate photo. Social networking sites Photovine indicated Photovine may be used "in connection" with social networking services it does not operate. 'Surprise' social service Tech site The Next Web said that it was surprised that Google would build a social service so very different from Google+. It speculated that there may be "heavy integration", but did not elaborate on what this might entail. "It looks like a social photo sharing app. We’re somewhat surprised to see Google building social services under a different brand name to Google+ after launching the social network in late June, but we’re sure there will be heavy integration," it said. — TJD, GMA News