Aside from the fact that G+ profiles are easier found on Google it’s also tied up with many Google services and sites. Also, if you have been using Gmail, Google Drives or Docs, YouTube and Picasa, you’ll probably be able to master the G+ environment in no time. It also looks far more gorgeous and far less chaotic than Facebook.
And while we’re on the topic of looking gorgeous, another good reason to try Google+ is its gorgeous iPhone app. Unlike most social media sites that offer a zoomed out version of their websites, Google actually took the time to update their iPhone app making it into something really worth using on your iPhone.
The Pros: Because Simplicity Is Beauty
- The great thing about Google is that it always champions the clean and classy look. And though people may say that this is a bit boring, the iPhone app actually kicks the boredom aside by giving it an elegant flair. From its previous predominantly white interface, the app now features a sleek black design with grays and reds. It’s so far from the website and the Android version that still uses the plain white background and same old logo that if you place these three versions side by side, you’d probably think it’s not from the same company (except of course if you notice the fonts).
- Aside from the simple interface, G+ for iPhone also deserves a plus point for seamless sharing and navigating. Full-bleed pictures not only look amazing on a Retina Display iPhone, photos on the Stream are also made easier to view. You can actually view an album by simply swiping from left to right on a photo on the Stream (the Stream is pretty much like your home page or explore page on the G+ web version; it’s where you get to see all the posts people share with you).
- The +1 button can now be found in the lower left hand corner of the post. Plus-ing a post would also make a share button appear on it so you can easily share it. Tapping on the comments in the lower right hand corner would allow you to comment on it without having to scroll all the way down (comments are cut after two lines so you can focus on the image or post). There are also menus that allow you to filter what you see on your stream. Your profile, posts and photos also look beautiful with systematically arranged icons and buttons and getting used to it would probably be a snap.
The Cons: When Simple Becomes Boring
- The only con we can give this iPhone app is that not everyone is on Google+. It’s got a long way to go before it reaches Facebook’s 800 million mark. The stream looks aesthetically pleasing but people are much more active in other social networks. Some studies even show that people are 7 times more active in sharing on Facebook and 33 times more active on Twitter than on G+. And while it’s not a ghost town, it’s not really crowded either. Which is why great features like Hang Out, face-to-face IM and video calling are practically useless unless everyone you’re close to is also on G+.
- If that’s not enough to bore, you should also probably consider the fact that most people on G+ are business people and advertisers. In fact, their top user is Britney Spears! And we don’t think she even updates her posts herself! Also, if you own multiple G+ accounts, you have to log out to switch to another account, unlike the web version where you can seamlessly move from one profile to another.
Author Bio:
Twila B. is a resident blogger for CashforiPhones’ news site that focuses on iPhone-related news and events, e-waste recycling, technology, gadgets, and other smartphones. The news site is also a used cell phone selling website that helps individual iPhone owners and various businesses to dispose of their used iPhones in a practical and earth-friendly way.
My experience has been very different. Instead of trying to use Google+ the same way I use facebook, I have found it to be a great place to connect with people of similar passions.
I recently blogged about my experience with the photography community on G+, http://www.rennatatropeano.com/growingunique/2012/10/29/halloween-memories/
I have seen similar hangout type events for people in the social media field, for astronomy, for authors and would be authors, for history buffs. It is not an improved facebook, but a whole new social media to explore. .
google +is the great software ever i like google + it is easy to use.
I strongly agree! I think that's the best thing about all of Google's services!
That's true! What most users say about G+ is that people actually share very interesting posts unlike Facebook where most posts are significant only to the sharer. In G+ everyone benefits :)