Tech bloggers are buzzing about a rumored partnership between MySpace and Google’s about-to-be-launched OpenSocial project; a big reveal may come as soon as today. Though it still leads Facebook in membership and traffic, the social networker has lost much of its spotlight recently—and CNet’s Caroline McCarthy says the deal is likely a good move for MySpace owner News Corp.
The merger would mean a big change of pace for Google, which has avoided teaming with major conglomerates. The other social networks participating in the forthcoming open-platform program, including Friendster, are independently run. Google already powers MySpace’s search and ad functions, but the rumored affiliation would be huge online socializing news. (More MySpace stories.)