(hubze) When Google came out with Google+ the tech world took notice of the social media epidemic. So, a the question was posed to big companies, like Google, who would have the power to virtually monopolize social media all together: Are Apple and Microsoft going to integrate social networks into their operating systems?

Apple has never been social even though they have a wildly loyal user-base and dominate not only the personal computer market, but also control the mobile market, a spot which Google and Facebook would kill to have (and they are scrambling, Google acquired Motorola for 12.5 billion dollars last year).

All I’m saying is, its about (“expletive”) time Apple got social. The integration of Twitter into Mountain Lion OS devices is huge, because it’s probably going to be integrated into consecutive operating systems, for the sake of continuity– at least until one or the other falls out of relevancy.

Why not Facebook? Facebook threatened Apple when it announced integration with loads of media outlets like Spotify and Netflix. Instead of browsing iTunes for media, you now can browse your Newsfeed which is filled with recommendations from people you know and/or subscribe to. Not to mention, Microsoft is literally invested into Facebook.

And what does Twitter, get out of teaming up with the most valuable company in the world? According to TechCrunch, “there are over 60 million macs out there.” When OS X Mountain Lion hits the shelves this summer, sparking Best Buy camp-outs and updates for Tigers/Leopards/Snow Leopards/etc… Twitter will be front and center, at the delectable core of all the fun.

According to Twitter CEO Dick Costolo, when Twitter was integrated into iOS5 devices, sign-ups jumped 25%. There are more people out there with iOS5 devices and no Macs; take me for example: writing to you from a loud angry Dell laptop and playing words with friends when I get writer’s block.

Mac apps will see more Twitter integration as well, instead of Facebook. As TechCrunch puts it, “With iOS, apps can choose to use Twitter to ease new sign-ups — allowing people to get going with one or two clicks. Now Mac apps will be able to do the same thing.”

In short: Twitter is WINNING.

Do you like the iOS5 integration with Twitter? It’s a preview of what’s to come this summer. Comment and let us know what you think about this new power couple!

(image: Technabob)