Tag Archives: google+

Blog Technology

Google+ Ready to be a Contender with an Updated App

May 10, 2012 – 12:39 am

From the Google+ blog:

To be clear, we’re not interested in a mobile or social experience that’s just smaller. We’re embracing the sensor-rich smartphone (with its touchable screen and high-density display), and transforming Google+ into something more intimate, and more expressive.

Looks like Google is starting to understand that the desktop experience is nearly dead. Mobile is the PC of tomorrow. Embracing iOS is key in getting Plus over with users. I will say that the new Google+ app is simply stunning. Everything is fluid and smooth, really entices you to share.

One has to wonder how much Digg founder and now Google employee Kevin Rose has to do with the app. It has a true Kevin Rose/Milk feel. Either way it’s about time they (Google) got serious about Plus. Sticking dozens of annoying buttons all over Google properties won’t launch the network. A proper and enticing mobile app will.

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Blog

On the Google+ iOS App

July 19, 2011 – 2:11 pm

Long story short is it needs some work but it really isn’t a terrible start. A short list of initial thoughts are:

  • Needs to have an option (at the very least) to hide the most recent comments left on a status.
  • Needs to add the ability to reply/tag users in a post by typing the + or @ key.
  • Landscape would be nice.
  • The scroll seems a bit “Android” to me. Would be nice to have a more native app and not just an Android port.
  • Thanks to my brother for this one; no way to post from the main screen! What? How!?
  • Suppress the feed! Posts need to be ordered chronologically, not by activity!

Not much of a wish list. I think the app will generate more participation overall obviously but the real question one must ask is “why would I share to Google before Twitter or Facebook?”

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Technology

A Week With Google+

July 11, 2011 – 10:45 pm

So rather than cranking out a bunch of lengthy paragraphs I figured I’d mock up a trusty list of the likes, dislikes, and needed improvements for Google+. This thing has set the tech world on fire, no matter who you talk to (so long as they aren’t a redneck) everyone has an opinion and a desire to get an invite. Let’s hop into it.

Likes —

  • I like the way friends are added to the Circle system.
  • I like the way you can share to different groups, or just share to the public.
  • I like that everything is baked into the experience. Notifications on the “sandbar”.
  • I like that you can easily share images, links, videos, etc.
  • I like that I actually want to engage the site and continue using it.

Dislikes —

  • Threads “rise” to the top as comments come in. Makes me feel like I’m surfing the same content forever.
  • Messy look and feel! Comment threads need to collapse!
  • I should be able to turn sharing off from some people, like I turn retweets off on Twitter.
  • I should be able to turn entire Circles off. Sure we are friends but I don’t give a shit about your hamster or your girlfriend breaking up with you.
  • There needs to be an easier way to find friends.
  • Muting a user should not hide the post completely.
  • The mobile site is terrible (I once thought it was good, after using it for a few days I hate it.)

Wishlist —

  • iOS native app.
  • Ability to moderate stream better.
  • Plug in with Gmail.
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