Since at least April of 2010, there have been rumors, leaks, and guesses about Google’s upcoming social network. While we’ve long anticipated that the product would be released in the summer of this year, the company has remained quiet about the project and its details. We’re finally getting our first look, however. Google+ has been officially released to a select group of users for initial testing.

Google is denying that this product is meant to compete with Facebook, instead claiming that it’s way for all of Google’s products to become more social. That’s true at least in part: the Google navigation is changing to accommodate both quick access to the social network and social sharing options from all Google properties. The core of Google+, however, resembles Facebook in numerous ways.

There’s a news feed, you can share a variety of content types, you have a full profile, you declare your interests, you’re exposed to targeted ads, etc., etc. This new product is at least close enough to Facebook that the majority of users will be picking one or the other. Google has added several features designed to push users toward Google+ over Facebook. That includes:

• +Circles, a group organization system that lets users easily categorize various friends and acquaintances into groups on Google+. Content that’s shared can be spread to specified groups, allowing for more control over who sees your posts.
• +Sparks, which lets users quickly track down, share, and discuss content related to their interests.
• +Hangouts, which lets users start open, multi-person video conferences.
• +Huddle, which enables easy group text messaging and chatting.
• +Mobile, which lets users access all of the above features from their Android device.

There are plenty of additional features as well, but common users will have to wait to see them. You can apply for an invitation to the Google+ beta here but rumor has it Google is temporarily stopping all the invites and registration.