It was back on July 19 when Apple finally added the Google Plus iPhone app in the iTunes App Store. Back then, Google Plus was still going through field testing and one needed an invite to join the internet search giant's new social network. However now that Google Plus has been officially opened to the public, they have also updated their Google Plus iPhone app which brings video Hangout and Messenger to your iPhone.
Apparently, Google Plus was supposed to be a social network that would challenge Facebook's domination on the internet. Initially, Google Plus saw a great influx of potential users primarily because of its exclusivity, you needed an invite to join Google Plus and that's probably the only thing that made it so exciting, other than its nice set of features and exquisite privacy options. However, Facebook has made sure that it stays on top of the social networking game by releasing some radical changes day before yesterday at their f8 conference. Looks like Google Plus still has a long way to go.
When the first Google Plus iPhone app was released back in July, it only came with support for the iPhone. It could not be installed on the iPod touch and the iPad. Within an hour, the app was updated and these issues were fixed. However this particular update is by far the most extensive update of Google Plus iPhone app. Now from your iOS device, you can start and join video Hangouts, a feature previously exclusive to the Google Plus Android app. Best part about video Hangouts on your iOS device is that it will also work over 3G or 4G network as well as WiFi. In this update, Huddles has been changed to Messenger which allows you to share pictures as well as chat with your friends.
Full changelog of Google Plus iPhone app update:
- Join Hangouts from the mobile app
- Huddle is now Messenger
- Send photos in Messenger
- +1 on comments
- Reliability improvements in Messenger
- Granular push notification settings
- Map view in profile for places you’ve lived
- Improved +mention support
- Share a post with individuals
- Improved public search for people
- Various bug and performance improvements
The app is compatible with iPhone, iPad and iPod touch provided that the firmware is iOS 4.0 or above. Google Plus app isn't a native app for the iPad. Have you tried out this update and its new features? Do let us know what you think about them, and if you find any bugs, by commenting below.
Download Google Plus iPhone App [iTunes Link]