Category Archives: Google+

Google+ for Android adds rich web snippets and hashtags for streams

April 13, 2012 Udit Malhotra Leave a comment

Google+ for Android update adds support for rich web snippets and #hashtags. A big ask that users had for the earlier version of Google+ was to make the sharing experience for webpages as good as that of G+ for desktop with all the detailed info. The new version addresses this request and the feature actually works great. The update also brings in support for #hashtags, allowing in stream search capability for the most trending stuff. We won’t forget those minor bug fixes and performance improvements that roll out with each release to make the app better. Haven’t tried the app till date? The download link is right below!

Also Read : Google+ redesign adds simpler UI, bigger photos, easy hangouts and more

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Download Google+ for Android Update from the Google Play Store

Scan the QR Code or click the image to begin download

via +Anish Acharya

Google+

Google+ redesign adds simpler UI, bigger photos, easy hangouts and more

April 12, 2012 Udit Malhotra Leave a comment

Google has introduced an all-new design for Google+ that involves a revamp for the navigation menu, photos and videos, activity feed and Google+ Hangouts. The rollover to the new UI showcases the excellent growth potential that Google+ has as a social network, which is getting even bigger with more users joining the pool of 170 million folks and counting.

The navigation bar moves from the top to the left, making the menu more useable with bigger icons and the option to reorganize, reorder or hide tabs that are not required. Design is one thing that decides the likeability and attraction of a user towards not only a social network, but also for any so called product.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zxbs5uqEjc0[/youtube]

Key additions to the navigation menu include:

Reorganize or reorder apps and tabs in any way
Hover apps to view quick actions that you can perform
Hide apps by dragging them in or out of the “more” icon

The Google+ redesign is centered towards people making the network more personal allowing one to use stuff with simplicity and their own set of preferences. Now experience bigger photos and videos for your activity feed without the need to enlarge it. Under the feed you would also see a new box to your right called the “Activity Drawer” that shows what’s trending on G+, something like the “Trending” column for Twitter users.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A3Atj57r15U[/youtube]

For people who to love Hangout on a video chat get more options to experiment and have fun, a dedicated page for Google+ Hangouts in the navigation pane shows the Hangouts you can simply join in or watch an ongoing one. So for all you peeps who like to explore the world this one’s for you guys. The conversation scenario is now more creative not only from the means of a chat, but rather with options to collaborate, share, or play with the recent release of new third party apps for Google+ Hangouts. A pipeline feature that we await to arrive soon is “cards”, providing users with the ability to keep an eye on upcoming discussions and join them to cast their views. Seeing the ongoing change we’ve got lots of hopes from Google to make G+ grow at very fast pace.

Google+ profiles would get the upgrade to all new features in a few days. If your profile has already been upgraded, do checkout all the awesome stuff and do share your opinion on how did you find the new layout. To find an overview for the design rollover do check out this link.

via Google Official Blog

Google+

Google+ Hangout apps finally out, adds fun, entertainment and productivity to conversations

March 29, 2012 Udit Malhotra Leave a comment

We’ve heard of Facebook Apps, Android Apps, iPhone Apps and so on, its Google now who is now ringing the bell by introducing an all new suite of third party applications that are now a part of the Google+ Hangout. The buzz was shared via a Google+ Post by +Amit Fulay (Product Manager for Google+ Hangouts). When users start a hangout, they may click on the “Apps” tab on the top left to gain access to the featured and recently used apps. The applications introduced today are an introductory set of apps, just a beginning to new apps being evolved and shared over Google+.

The introductory set of apps showcased includes:

+Aces Hangout, for playing poker with friends, face-to-face-to-face
Clubhouse Challenge by +Bravo, for testing your pop culture IQ against other teams
+Cacoo, for wire-framing, mind-mapping and diagramming with others
Google Effects, for trying on headwear, eyewear or facial hair
+Scoot & Doodle, for drawing and coloring with the people you care about
+SlideShare, for co-viewing presentations, docs and videos

The introduction of these apps has opened a horizon for Google+ developers to share and contribute new and interesting stuff to the community. Developers can check out the Google+ Developers blog for more updates http://goo.gl/CUAJ0

Besides the aforesaid apps standard Google apps like Google Docs, Youtube etc. can be used as well. This can act as very effective medium to grow and thrive effective conversation including corporates, student groups, universities and institutions. Google+ Hangouts allows folks with an option to have a group video chat with up to 10 people simultaneously for free. For all of you who haven’t yet tried Google+ Hangouts should surely give it a try.

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