Google+: 101, 102, 103, 104, 105, 106, 107...

Tuesday, September 20, 2011 | 9:03 AM

We started the Google+ project to help make online sharing more like real-world sharing. Of course, in life we increasingly share on the go, so over the past ~90 days we’ve developed Google+ apps for Android, iOS and the mobile web.

During this time we've made lots of improvements to the project, and in fact, the team just announced its 100th new feature overall (open signups). But our work is far from done, and today we're bringing seven additional Google+ features to your mobile device.

Hangouts on your mobile (a.k.a. feature #92

Seeing someone face-to-face is one of the most important ways you can connect with them. Unfortunately we're often too busy, too far away, or too unpredictable to make meetups a regular occurrence. That's why we're making Hangouts available on phones with Android 2.3+ and front-facing cameras (iOS support coming soon). Just find an active hangout in the Stream, and you can join your friends face-to-face-to-face:

Hangouts on your phone: Stream View (left), Green Room (center), Portrait View (right) 


101, 102, 103. You asked for it 

We take your feedback very seriously, and we do our best to deliver your most-requested features as quickly as possible. So today we're launching three more things you've been asking for in Google+ mobile:


  • Improved SMS support. Users in the US and India can now post to Google+, receive notifications, and respond to group messages via SMS (with more countries on the way). To start texting, just verify your phone number in Google+ settings. 
  • Improved +mentions support. To add someone in your circles to a conversation (or simply get their attention), you can now +[their name] inside a post or comment. 
  • +1’ing comments. When you read a great comment in the Stream, you can now +1 it directly from your iOS device (with Android coming soon). 
    SMS (left), +mentions (center), +1’ing comments (right)

104, 105, 106. Giving you more choices 

The most important part of Google+ is you, so we want to make sure you have meaningful ways to personalize your experience -- from selecting just the right people to share with, to switching between the app, the web, and SMS as you see fit. Today we're excited to bring three new options to mobile users:

  • Edit your profile photo. You can now put your best face forward, from where you happen to be. Just visit your profile, click edit, and you can choose or take a new picture. 
  • Customize your notifications. Some notifications may be more important than others, especially when you’re on the go. Now you can decide which ones you see (or not) on your phone. 
  • Make some room. If you’re taking lots of photos, or installing lots of apps, then internal storage can sometimes shrink. That’s why you can now move the Google+ app to SD storage on Android devices. 
 Edit your profile photo (left), Notification settings (center), Move to USB (right) 



107. So long Huddle, hello Messenger (and hi there, photos) 

As we move from limited field trial to open beta, we’re renaming Huddle to Messenger. More importantly, we’re adding new functionality to Messenger that makes group communication even more fun: photo sharing. So now when you’re sitting down for a meal, or kicking back on vacation, you can show your circles what’s happening, right this second:


Messenger: Homescreen (left), Choosing a Photo (center), Posting a Photo (right)  

We hope you enjoy today’s round of Google+ mobile features. There’s plenty left for us to do, so we’ll keep listening, and working to make your mobile experience that much better. In the meantime, you can try the new app (on Android and the mobile web today, and on iOS soon), and let us know what you think.

 Posted by Punit Soni, Google+ Mobile PM

127 comments:

Carlos Cabezas said...

This comment has been removed by the author.

Unknown said...

I... don't get it.

What's the difference between Google Talk and Google+'s Messenger?

Carlos Cabezas said...

When Google+ may be used with Google Apps account? We have been waiting for months...

Jacopo Gio said...

cool !

Now we need this : "Allow Reshare of a Reshare"

Unknown said...

Still waiting for apps account to gain google plus....

m0lzn said...

Google+ for Google Apps, any time this century ?

Le_Poilu said...

+107 improvement
Public release and still no access for GApps users.
Well done Google !
Maybe in 2012 ?

Unknown said...

Please add support for Google Apps...

Meneldor said...

Google+ makes much less sense without the most loyal Google users - the Google Apps users.

Anonymous said...

Ugh - no google apps support still, really? How about an official ETA on this since we were told in March that profiles would be available for apps users in a matter of weeks? Communication - that's all I'm asking for.

Armand said...

Please add ability to sort 'nearby' either chronologically, by distance, or select area for those who may be away from a home area but want to keep up.

aamzalag said...

hmm why cant google plus just be integrated with gtalk only instead of a new chatting system? then you guys can add features like file transfer and so on to gtalk instead of making us wait 5 years :(

Rusty said...

Public Access.... great! Google Apps users access... no, why not?! Surely we should have been first to get in the beta!

atrus said...

We were told that Google Profiles and Google Latitude Checkins were going to come to Google Apps months ago, and we haven't heard a peep since. I understand there are challenges, but can you please at least try to keep us in the loop? There are many Google Help forums about this subject which just seem to be ignored.

harut1230 said...

I need search people with more options.

nilc said...

Please let Google Apps accounts on.

Lotfibenchikha said...

Je suis toujours dans l'attente de mon google +

Patrick C. Price said...

So...

+Everyone

100. Anyone can sign up for Google+—no invitation required.

Over the next day we'll be rolling out all of these features globally.

So honestly Google, will Google+ work tomorrow for Google Apps Users or not.

If not, you're really saying, ANYONE, but Google Apps Users... if that is the case, I am seriously loosing my faith in you.

Anonymous said...

Another request for Google Apps. Can't use it until then.

//Sub/Corpus said...

This is all good ... thanks ...
But please give us the ability to open posts and images in individual tabs ...

Unknown said...

This update isn't live in the Android Market. Still says Huddle not Messenger.

Jesse Wagstaff said...

Anyone can sign up for Google+ ? What about Google Apps users? Still waiting...

poldie said...

Can anyone at Google explain why the ability to use Huddle (aka Messenger) is not possible via the webpage? It's a bit tedious typing longish messages on a phone when I'm sat next to a perfectly good laptop/pc.

Unknown said...

+1 to Google Apps user access. Many of these are PAYING customers, and while I understand that adding Profiles to domain features could cause risks, that should be a decision up to the domain administrator! Allow Profiles for Apps, set to disabled by default, and warn the administrator that it could cause issues. Then Google will have done its part, and users will have someone closer to complain to... :D

Unknown said...

when are you going to do a Honeycomb version of an app? We, tablet users, really DO whant such version!

Vincent said...

No new version in the market ?
Galaxy S2 Bell Canada.

Sparrow said...

Please pleas add in a "upload actual image instead of crappy resized versjon" to the instant upload feature!

If I can limit it to wifi only and /or plugged in, I want my actual picture in picasa, not a small copy


...also ditto on the honeycomb version, iPad still sweeps android under the table in terms of good device ("hd") apps

FinTech tip said...

The most requested feature? Remove the scandalous "Real Name" policy.

... said...

And when does the Real Names policy get dropped?

Unknown said...

Like so many other users, I too want G+ for Apps.

Unknown said...

Bleh, as always. Announcement comes out before the actual rollout..

Unknown said...

it's not open if you are under 18 that's really annoying!

Michael said...

Open to everyone except some of your most loyal users, individuals who use Google Apps accounts on their personal domains.

ZakMcKraken said...

+1 for Google Apps account support :-/ ...

Unknown said...

+1 for Google Apps support. Like, yesterday.

pkovac said...

I have to agree, ditch the real names policy as it is in practice unenforcable. (Paul Krugman had a problem with someone using his name fraudulently. This is not something that your heuristics would catch.)

I'd also suggest having per-circle presentation of profile images and names. I have a group of friends who know me more by an online avatar, and as such are confused when they see my ugly mug combined with my real name.

ButcherChop said...

This comment has been removed by the author.

Unknown said...

I would love to see a honeycomb or ICS tablet optimized version of the Google+ app.

Unknown said...

And I would love to be able to use this with my Google Apps account as well so I can use the Hangout feature with my coworkers and bosses.

James Donohoe said...

+Everyone
100. Anyone can sign up for Google+—no invitation required.

Oh, unless you are a GoogleApps user. That "Everyone" needs an asterisk.

Schack said...

Still no access for Google Apps users ... OMG :-(

Mike Lothian said...

+1 for Google Profiles on Google App accounts

y8s said...

maybe one more comment asking for Google Apps access to profiles/+ will tip the scales?

semo said...

Well done Google !

1) Add a comment for a specific comment.

2) Add a doc from Google Docs .

3) Like "Photos from your circles". "Videos from your circles" "Birthdays from your circles" ...

nesetalis said...

I have to agree, remove the "real name" requirement.
Some people on the internet know me by one name, some by another, some by my real name.

Restricting to a real name I personally don't even use in real life is silly.
Guess what? I never go by Daniel, I'm Nes irl, its not my real name, and it certainly isn't a standard name.

Lupine Master said...

Most requested didn't include a logical way to order posts such as date of post or most recent post? How can the current seemingly random order for posts be considered anything but ludicrous?

Unknown said...

I keep going through the whole update process and the app doesn't update on my Moto Photon.

KoolKabin said...

Its all related to mobile post.

Hope Google doing fine with mobile apps.

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Hosting: Hosting Services

Anonymous said...

To get Google+ on Google Apps

Star the following issue:
http://groups.google.com/group/google-plus-developers/browse_thread/thread/71235a7825540552#

These instructions come from a googler (check the @google.com address) over here:
http://groups.google.com/group/google-plus-developers/browse_thread/thread/71235a7825540552#

Petter HƤggholm said...

+1 for dropping the disastrous real name policy.

Unknown said...

This comment has been removed by the author.

Gardner said...

What about older devices? I can't have new Google+ client on my HTC Hero running CM7 (Android 2.3.5), why Google, why?

Is it because lack of frontfacing camera? Most of devices lacks that... >.>

Jayarama Nettar said...

For google apps users the counting goes as 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0 & still 0

Unknown said...

+1 to Gardner, I've got a Wildfire running CM7 - again, why can't I update G+ app?

This is obviously a nonsense, please correct it ASAP. My phone is running 2.3, and yet I am not allowed to get newest version of Google+ client. Don't push me into downloading an APK...

Andrew DeFaria said...

Here's an idea... How about when you click on or hover over a person in G+ one of the options is "chat" (messenger if you like) and another option is "call" (or 2 person hangout if you like)? Seems to basic but would be so useful and intuitive!

Bryan said...

Did the Google+ widget get removed with this update? Or is it just not there because I moved the app to the SD card?

Rod Davis said...

"Open signups" or "open to everyone" is a lie. Google+ is still closed off to those "under a certain age," whatever that might be. I'm guessing 18? Google really is not being TRANSPARENT about this, which is one of the things I thought they really want to drive home as a company in general.

Anonymous said...

I want my personal domain to reflect the same user experience as a regular gmail account, just within my Apps account, while some companies may have a need for a "Facebook Pages"-like profile. With that in mind, Google will need to be careful and mindful of individual Apps users vs users who want to set up landing profile pages for businesses. There needs to be an option for individuals who use Apps for personal use to operate G+ within Apps as an individual user and not as a company.

Livsnyder said...

Can't seem do get G+ for my HTC Wildfire. :( Removed the old app, to get/download the new, but it is not possible now.

Eric said...

When will Google+ be available to Google Apps users?!?!

I seriously regret ever signing up for your Apps service, being left out in the cold like this.

Unknown said...

Todavia no puedo acceder, me dice que no tengo la edad apropiada para usar este servicio?? es que acaso con 17 aƱos no puedo acceder a una red social???

Patrick_R said...

I'm SERIOUSLY worried about using a service like this from a company that cannot even understand basic English.

Either that, or my definition of ANYONE is a million miles different, to Google's...

Yours,

A Google Apps user.

(And not one of Google's definition's of ANYONE as a result...

Kerrick Long said...

This comment has been removed by the author.

Kerrick Long said...

I tried going to www.google.com/mobile/+ in my Kindle 3's browser, and it took me to a desktop site telling me to visit it on a phone. I tried going to m.google.com/plus and it told me to download it via the Android Market (and Kindle doesn't run Android).

Can we please access it via any browser? I'd like to be able to use Hangouts/Messenger even though I don't own a smartphone.

jeff said...

+1 - G+ for GApps accounts. We're your faithful evangelists Google...what are you thinking? These are the University students...who do you think uses social networking? Anyone....Beuler?

Unknown said...

Messenger...you're joking...I'm glad not to hassle with M$ Messenger when talking to other guys (and girls)..Please..be MORE CREATIVE! What's wrong with "huddle"?

Unknown said...

+1 For Google Apps users.... Please!?!?!?!

atrus said...

http://code.google.com/p/google-plus-platform/issues/detail?id=22 seems to be the place to be to discuss the apps-missing-profiles issue currently.

Unknown said...

apparently anyone doesnt include under 18's

George M. Sipe said...

Disappointed that Google+ is still completely unavailable to Google Apps users.

Not only that, but we have no idea what-so-ever if it will be available in 2 weeks, in 2 years or ever. No information at all. Completely in the dark. No clue for when and no clue why (tell us, really we are not that dumb!).

PParth said...

Still no support for Google Apps users. I'm very disappointed in Google. This isn't very google like more Microsoft like behaviour.

Please make it your priority. If you really listen to your customers look at the majority of the comments above and please do something about it!

Sukh said...

1. Can you add the simple option to mute all posts from a user without blocking them completely?
I have annoying friends that love posting nonsense in their stream but that doesn't mean I want to remove them or ignore them completely.

2. There isn't a simple way to create an "event" when planning a get together, or bday party.

3. It isn't possible to post on a friends stream.

Adriano said...

Why "Messenger"??? Why not "Talk+"?

Unknown said...

Will there be a way for one user to select the main feed (voting would also be interesting), and to make that feed appear full-screen- or is that already possible?

Micah and Katie said...

How about allowing my wife and I to keep sharing our gmail account and not telling us you're suspending our account everytime we log in. That would be a great feature....

Anonymous said...

Google+ still won't work with Google Apps? WHAT. A. COMPLETE. JOKE. Back to Facebook I go.

Sean said...

All great announcements, but two things, please!

1) Can we have the mobile Messenger function integrate with people who are using the chat function in G+ from their computer? Facebook's messenger app and their integrated messages on their website seem to work pretty well.

2) Will we be able to launch Hangouts from the mobile device? Right now it says we'll have to look for an active one in the stream, but it'd be even better if we can start one from our mobile devices.

Thanks! Keep those great updates comin'!

Phil Sim said...

Not only is this stupid delay on allowing Google Apps users into Google Plus, killing your social angle for me, but it's pissing me off enough that if a competitor actually got online apps right I would pull myself and my business out of the Google cloud. Does it not seem wrong to you, that I'm actually paying you money for the Google suite and I'm the only set of people in the entire world now that can't use Google Plus.

Josh said...

Google is doing a great job. Seriously, 12 weeks and already a budding social network? Some of you aren't giving enough credit.

There's a lot that I'm sure will (and needs to) change. If I saw anything from readin this post it's that BLOGGER needs G+ support. G+ isn't nearly as integrated as it will be, but I'm still kinda shocked I can't even +1 posts by Google+ blog considering I can do it on external sites.

Still, give it time.

Justin said...

Another vote for 108: Allow google apps users.

Thanks!

vks said...

This item cannot be installed in your device`s country.

Using google+ on web even through big honeycomb tablet is pain! SHAME ON YOU

Gene Wood said...

Ya, 108 : Allow google apps users in.

I mean seriously, this is absurd.

Vern Burton said...

So the most requested feature isn't Google Apps Profiles so that a large number of tech and professionals that once help make Gmail what it once was, a twinkle in an eye of a dreamer. I see so many time lines for other features. Where is the timeline that states the date or even progress?

Richard said...

+1 for Google+ for Google Apps!

Sabya said...

Why is it that I cant initiate a hangout from my handset but I am able to join it from the handset...any answer to that..

Cal said...

App is too big - remember that some of your most vociferous fans have older devices - 14MB *AFTER* moving to SD is ridiculous - that's bigger than Facebook, Twitter and GMaps put together.

Janhouse said...

Please make the Android app available from Latvia.

kaleighpie said...

Please make the Android app compatible with the HTC Wildfire.
It originally was because I downloaded it a few weeks ago and now I can't update it. This is so annoying, I want to try the video chat.

Jack said...

Still no Google Apps support? Poor show, guys.

...----... said...

Widget don´t work after move App to SD :-((

Unknown said...

@DSOTM

That is normal. Widgets only work when the App is stored on the phone.

Gilles Gravier said...

Still no support for Google Apps accounts. I think this is a terrible choice. You are basically telling Apps users "You guys made a stupid choice picking our premium service, you should use Facebook instead..."

Please fix it.

S. Robinson said...

cool thanks to share

Mandy said...

I love google products. I have some confusion on why is there a need for google talk and google huddles(now as messenger). I hope google can combine them. Hopefully they can make it better than what's app:) I believe google can do better as they always do.

bunnyhero said...

if google+ is supposed to be more like "real world" sharing, how is forcing everyone to use their full wallet names all the time like the "real world"? how is suspending people who use a nickname like the "real world"?

this is social media, not a court of law...

Gruntledlark said...

What's the deal with "front-facing camera required" for G+ mobile??

A cam is a cam. With a single, rear-facing camera, I can show someone around a room I am in or i can point the thing at a mirror and they can see me just fine.

Fix that mobile team

Anonymous said...

Please add honeycomb and google apps support!

Unknown said...

So I decided to upgrade when I saw the app2sd support and ...
EPIC FAIL
The upgraded app even when moved to SD card is LARGER than the previous version without. I am sure it is a nice app, but it takes 10% of the storage space, and more than the next 4 biggest apps combined.

Lindsay said...

I'm still waiting for any integration with Reader. What a pain that I can't +1 something from any of the blogs/websites I follow! They show up in Buzz. Just transfer that to +!

j0seka said...

WHY THE HANGOUTS IT'S ONLY AVAILABLE ON PHONES WITH ANDROID 2.3+? NOOOOOOOOOO!!!!

JoAnn Clarke said...

Australian's love smartphones and their apps.Consequently, the opportunities for marketers to reach and engage with consumers through this medium is set to explode.
http://admobiaustralia.com.au

Unknown said...

wow, still no google apps access, whats the point in developing using the G+ APIs when you have hobbled the service by not allowing everyone to use it. Many people I know, me included got over switching accts as the +1 stuff round the net and have gone back to sharing via facebook, which is a shame cause I really wanted to have this within the google family i have via apps.

can someone at google at least post or announce the likelihood of google app support? last we heard was in March and it was coming in a couple of weeks.

chrystyl said...

Need the ability to delete conversation history.

chancee said...

I hate the new google mobile on my iPad!!!!! Please! How can I get the regular version back? (the version I access on my computer)

Using Bing until fixed.

Sam said...

Google + is now available to all.

Erm.. No.. It's not.

APPS.

ARGH.

Iniyan said...

what about windows mobile 6.5 users, any application from GOOGLE TO ADD (GOOGLE+) US.

Ivy Wharton said...

Not happy. Husband has just joined Google+ and he can't download the mobile app. I have it on my phone, and we have the same make/model/firmware/software. Unfortunately, you're update is not compatible with our phones. I can't update the app on my phone and my hubby can't download it to his. One of the main reasons I liked Google+ was the functionality of the mobile app, and it was for this reason that my hubby signed up for Google+. Are you going to do anything about this or are we out in the cold permanently?

Livsnyder said...

Still not possible to download G+ App for HTC Wilfire. Is this gonna be fix?

Damian Brennan said...

How about offering this service to those of us who pay for for Google Apps?

Aalok said...

When is it coming on BlackBerry ?

Shoppin' Sally said...

It looks like my initial comment was deleted.

Google, WHEN will Apps customers be allowed to use these new tools? I'm going on the assumption now that you've quietly swept this under the rug like your promise to deliver Buzz to us last year.

Have you considered the long term ramifications of alienating your most loyal users? People come to me to ask about sites like Google Plus. Since I can't get on, I can't recommend the service, they don't join, their friends don't join, and so on, and so on, and so on.

If Google Plus ends up failing against Facebook I wonder if anyone sitting in an executive conference room at Google will think, "Gee, maybe we shouldn't keep slamming the door in our most loyal customers' faces"?

Anonymous said...

Would also love to see Google+ brought to Apps.

We have about 3000 students and faculty in an iPad 1 to 1 initiative that is begging for this to exist. It would benefit our project immensely.

Anonymous said...

Google apps, please!!

Rico Troubleshooting said...

This version still does not allow initiating HangOut using mobile. So far, you have to initiate is using Desktop first.

Also, i would like to see an option to set post to 'locked by default' option and allowing locking of post via mobile too.

Sumeet Mahendra said...

Some easiest way to "Send Feedback" without clicking that button from menu (Android 2.1+)

1. Just change your phones Orientation and shake it or simply slide up or down streams rapidly!!

2. Try the magic of your right thumb, and go to last stream or circle as fast as you could!!

3. Simply go back from Huddle to Profile or simply switch between any 2 distant out of (total five hahaha) .

4. Simply unmark or stop Google+ from getting your location!!

5. Try to go back without opening notifications!!

6. If you attended any call during, G+ …!!



There's still more but forgot many, so try atleast those And you'll surly get a chance to report bug without the hot key!!

PS :I'll try to revise this list regularly …

YeomanDroid said...

Like many others here, I'll add in my request to add G+ for those who are subscribing to Google Apps. Please.

Livsnyder said...

I got the Beta back on my Wildfire - See this link http://androidflip.com/install-google-android-application/

Blue Bird said...

Google + projects are usually lengthy but the new features are interested and can add value to any Business Mobile for making it more important for the customers.

CMUQ-SCPP IS said...

I want to add my vote for G+ for Apps! No doubt Google is working on this and it's coming soon... Makes me feel better casting the vote though

Ty_Soup said...

I like the new mobile features though I do think that the messenger service and google talk should be integrated. I would love to be able to use the mobile app to send instant messages to those that are on their computer. At this moment I am jumping from my safari app to google talk and back to the google plus app to messenger. Can these not be combined so that we can use the app and utilize google talk on it? At least the i.m capability.

itsMe said...

When the Google+ games can play on mobile?..

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Unknown said...

Just one question... did Google ever think that maybe Blackberry users are growing everyday and maybe they wish to get access to all the apps instead of just 3!?

Wish that u could hear my suggestion...

Vitor Urbano

xinh xinh said...

I am waiting for any integration with Reader. :D

Six Deaf Taxis said...

There is only one feature I want from Google+. Support for Google Apps accounts!

HONDA CENTER said...

Apakah bisa digunakan untuk Hape jenis tertentu saja, soalnya OS hape saya masih minim.
salam
Honda Gajahmada

Unknown said...

thanks for information, but my mobile not support it.thanks for information, but my mobile not support it.