Google profiles can be now used as OpenIDs. Unlike the federated login, now Google will allow the profile URLs will work with any site that accepts the generic OpenID. Though this is good for OpenID, I doubt of the average Joe is aware of Google profiles itself. I do have a profile, but I have never used it, nor has anyone requested it. Unlike other Google services, Google profiles is hardly visible visible to a Google user. If Google profiles catch up, I am sure this will be a help for OpenID.
