Google+ For iPhone Updated - Adds Mobile Video Conferencing Support And More
September 23, 2011
More big news in social networking today: as promised earlier this week, Google has updated the Google+ iPhone app and finally gave it the ability to access hangouts, Google's amazing 10 way video conference feature for your iDevice.
This is big news, as Hangouts is one of the most interesting features of the new social network. It allows you to have real time video conferences with up to 10 people at a time for free, using both desktops and now mobile devices. Not only can you talk, but you can even share YouTube videos or images in real time with all the participants.
Based on our initial tests, it looks like the feature does work (at least with two participants), and the quality isn't too shabby. Still, it's more like Skype on an average day, not FaceTime.
It's also worth pointing out that Google has updated the messaging part of the Google+ app, which is now called Messages, and allows you to share pictures. Furthermore, you should now have better control of your notification settings.
Lastly, in case you missed the news, Google+ is no longer an invite-only social network, so everyone can now download the app, sign up, and give the network a try from their iPhone (no iPad support for now). Unfortunately, you won't be able to follow AppAdvice on there anymore as Google has recently suspended our account in light of their naming policy. In Google's world apparently, companies are not people. Go figure.
Either way, Google+ for iPhone with Hangout support, is now available on the App Store, free of charge.
