Google on August 29 began letting members of its online social network get search page reminders about the birthdays of friends. "Everyone deserves a little love on their birthday," Google's Irene Chung said in an online message announcing the new feature. "Starting today, you'll see a reminder on Google.com when someone in your circles has a birthday."
Search page birthday reminders are only shared with friends indicated in a person's preferences in Google+ controls at plus.google.com/up/birthday, according to Chung.
Birthday reminders have long been features in online communities such as leading social network Facebook. Google is weaving the notices into search page results as part of a strategy to mesh its social network with its other online services and products.
"At first you'll only see birthday reminders if you're searching in English on Google.com," Chung said. "We'll be rolling this feature out gradually over the next few days." Google Apps offerings include programs for Gmail, calendars, documents, and data storage. "Like Google Apps, we think Google+ can help colleagues collaborate more easily and get things gone - and get to know each other along the way."
The new features will be available to businesses free of charge during a preview period lasting through the end of the year, according to Bavor.