Looks like Google and MySpace are teaming up to combat Facebook Connect by combining MySpace ID with Google Friend Connect.  MySpace ID is still in development last I heard, but Google Friend Connect has been released already…actually the same day Facebook Connect was released.  When I first heard about the competing services of Facebook and Google I thought for sure that Google had it in the bag.  That was months ago.  Since then I have realized that not as many people have Google or GMail accounts as I have thought (I don’t know why with the amount of free quality services that they provide).  

Now I’m not talking from a developer standpoint, I’m taking from a user prospective.  A developer would know about both, but would base there decision on which to use, if not both, on the users.  There are more people with Facebook accounts than GMail.  So while I think Google would offer more with their connect service, for my site I would probably go with facebook because it would be availible for more people.  All that being said, I think Google realizes the same thing.  They realize that they need to have a larger user base to really compete with facebook on this service.  Enter MySpace.  

Facebook has really been giving MySpace competition for the last year or so.  Actually, as of June Facebook surpassed MySpace in unique visitors.  MySpace being the advertising engine it is can’t not get involved with this ID service.  So instead of trying to play catch up, they pair up with Google to better there chances at leveling the playing field.  With Google’s reputation for quality services, and MySpace’s userbase this could turn out to be quite interesting.  Competition between companies is usually always good for the consumer/user.