Well, the wait is over, and one can download this app for free from iTunes App store. The app is pretty impressive with a clean design and to a certain extent intuitive as well. But then, if you are still waiting for an invitation from a Google+ user, then you might just have to wait a little longer. Here's a brief overview:
From uploading pics directly from your phone, to changing your location; from group chatting to adding people to your circles...there are lot of functions that Google plus has incorporated in this app. As soon as you enter this app you will be greeted with 5 features:
- Stream
- Huddle
- Photos
- Profile
- Circles
And a small bar at the bottom with your notifications.
But what I miss the most is the 'Sparks' feature from Google Plus that lets you read news and updates for just about anything.
Stream:
Like Facebook has its 'News Feed', Google has 'Stream'; a feature that lets you view updates under three different sections: Circles, Incoming and Nearby. Swipe your finger from right to left and you will be able to view incoming stream; and if you swipe from left to right, you will be able to view updates from Google Plus users nearby your location.
Tapping on any of the update will let you add comment to the post and also +1 it if you like. Another button right next to +1 allows you to mute updates from a particular user and also report abuse.
This feature reminds me of Facebook's news feed, the only difference is that instead of blue, you will see white and shades of grey.
As you can see in the image, there will be three buttons on top right of your phone. The checkmark lets you choose your location; from the camera icon you can upload any pic from your phone, or simply capture a new picture and share directly from the app. The pencil icon lets you update your status, you can also add your location and attach photos if you like. (You can also hide your location from this button.)
Huddle:
One of my favorite features on Google Plus (after Sparks) that lets you text an individual or a group of people. You can invite as many people as you like and once they accept your invitation you can chat with numerous people at the same time.
Huddle is like a 'text only' version of 'Hangouts'. Hangouts lets you video chat with a group of friends, and this feature is not available in Google+ app.
Photos:
I love the way Google+ lets you upload images to your profile or attach them with a post. If you compare uploading pics with Facebook's app, I realized that the interface in Google plus is more simple and seamless. Once you tap on 'Photos', Google automatically organizes your images into: 'From your circles', 'Photos of you', 'Your Albums' and 'From Your Phone'.
Clicking on any of these albums displays a neat slideshow that lets you add your comment straight away. What I love the most about Photos feature is that it can instantly show you all the images stored on your phone (date wise) and you can choose multiple images at once and upload them to your profile in a single tap.
Profile:
You can view your own profile that is presented to you with three categories in the bottom bar: Posts, About and photos. You can't do much with your profile within the app other than viewing your own posts, your description and photos.
Circles:
Tapping on 'Circles' will present you all your circles in Google Plus. From here you can view profile of all your connections in the same way you view your own profile: posts, about and photos. Tapping on 'People' you will be able to view everyone connected with your Google Plus profile and the app will also bring 'suggested people' to you.
An icon on the top right of your phone lets you search for users by name or by their email address.
After thoroughly testing this brand new app, I must say that Google has done a splendid job and considering that its an app for a phone, they've managed to bring quite a few features to the table. According to me, it is their Huddle feature that brings an edge to this app and makes it stand apart from its competitor, Facebook.
Lets just wait and watch for Google Plus to open for public and thats when the flood gates will open and we'll know if it stands a chance against Facebook. What do you think?
Visit iTunes to download Google+ App.
Android users can visit this link to download this app.
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