So yes, Google is now in the social networking game with their new Google+. Some people have written about how well-designed it is from a UI perspective. Others have bashed them and dismissed the project.
Here’s the deal. Google, as a company must do at some point, has to evolve. If they don’t they’ll end up like Alta Vista and all the other search engines from the 90’s. This doesn’t mean they’ll succeed or that you have to join their club.
The problem is, they’ll really not trying to evolve as much as they’re growing like a cancer.
Apple has changed their focus and now makes more profit off of iPads, iPhones and iPods than they do on desktops. They also have no problem killing their darlings in the name of innovation and progress.
Google won’t let go of search, search is their equivalent to Microsoft’s Windows/Office cash cow.