Google describes its new +1 button as a way to say "this is pretty cool" or "you should check this out". Much like the "like" button on Facebook which displays your approval for a brand, artist, or product, the Google button will show your "stamp of approval" to your friends and contacts in search results. The feature is intended to "give the right recommendations, at the right time, and in the right format" and users can choose who gets to see their +1's in their public Google profile. Google hopes that other websites will also jump on board by adding a +1 button. The button is slowly rolling out and it will be a few weeks before every user notices the addition. More from Google

Social networks have popped up all over the web. Businesses often think of the top four social networks — Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and MySpace — as the only game in town. But there are hundreds around the globe with millions of users who can be targeted via these networks by businesses. Read Full Story