For some months many of us have been wondering why a large empty space has been positioned on the right hand side of the Google+ stream. Now we know.
The Google+ stream has now become a multi-column affair. Which adjusts between one, two or three columns depending on the device being used. I for one, think it works really well.
It's now possible to quickly scan through numerous updates. With a wide range of picture sizes now being used, it's also a visually appealing experience.
The other major benefit that Google+ has maintained is that YOU decide what to read. Either by perusing the stream which shows updates from all your "connections". Or by allocating connections to specific "circles" and viewing the stream for each specific circle.
Compared to Facebook which heavily filters the updates you see, Google+ now gives you a better visual experience with content that is under your control. The updates displayed on the LinkedIn home page are certainly not as visually impressive as those on Google+, with the rendering of pictures often being far from perfect. Neither service offers the level of personalisation which you can achieve using Google+ circles.
Savvy business people will be able to use Google+ as a very effective information source. Don't be surprised to see a another major increase in the usage of Google+ over the coming months.
Other new Google+ enhancements include:
Hashtags - When these are clicked, they now "flip" the current item and allow you to browse a range of related information, right from within the Google+ stream.
Hangouts - The group video application has been enhanced to operate across desktops, Android and iPhone devices.
Photos - Improved photo editing features have been made available, including an auto-enhance feature.
Now's the time to establish yourself on Google+. It's really starting to take off, which is the best time to grow your network on any social media service.
To see the new Google+ stream in action go to: http://googleplusproject.blogspot.com.au/2013/05/new-google-stream-hangouts-and-photos.html
