Google Plus is now in public beta, allowing open sign ups for all. In order to sweeten the pot and win back some of the hype surrounding their launch 3 months ago, Google is rolling out 9 new features. Google+Hangouts has been their stand out feature to date and they are bringing it to the palm of your hand. The updated Google+ app is rolling out today for Android 2.3+ users and will allow group video chat on your phone. The process is simple, you can quickly enter a mobile Hangout by finding an active video chat in your stream and hitting join. (iOS users can expect an iPhone update in the near future)
Google Hangouts as a mobile feature puts it light years ahead of Facebook, Skype mobile and Apple’s Facetime apps. The ‘Hangouts On Air’ mode allows users to become broadcasters to a larger audience of spectators ala Ustream, Livestream etc.
Google Plus Hangouts now have a host of new sharing features that allow for video based project collaborations.
- Screensharing: for when you want to show off your vacation photos, your high score, your lesson plan or whatever else is on your screen
- Sketchpad: for when you want to draw, doodle, or just scribble together
- Google Docs: for when you want to write, plan or present something with others
- Named Hangouts: for when you want to join or create a public hangout about a certain topic (like fashion or music or sports…)
What do you think, are these new changes enough to get you excited about Google Plus?
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