Google: Google+ News and Discussion Thread
Trending Topics
Safety Car
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 3,539
Likes: 295
From: LA, CA
Just got my invite as posted earlier in the Android thread. The interface is pretty clean. Haven't seen any ads yet but I'm sure that'll come soon considering this is Google we're talking about here. The Circles idea is genius as it allows you to post content to certain circles so you don't have to block certain individuals out completely. Everything is customizable in terms of privacy (I guess Google learned from the Buzz incident) and I mean everything as to who you allow to see whatever you share. The whole thing interfaces with the Google+ app on Android and an iOS version is coming out soon and the app is pretty nicely done. There is an instant upload feature where any picture you take on your phone gets instantly uploaded to your private picture folder on Google+. Once its uploaded, you can decide who to share that picture with. Viewing pictures is also nicely done unlike how it currently is on Facebook.
There's also a Huddle option that I haven't tried yet but I guess this is Google's answer to iMessenger, Whatsapp, Kik, etc. Pretty much anyone on Google+, be it on computer, Android, iOS, browser, can be included in the Huddle. Unfortunately, it seems to be a separate app than GTalk. Why they did this, I don't know. There's also a Hang Out feature where you can do a group chat with video which I haven't done yet. This feature isn't on the app, however. (Maybe in the future?)
Right now the downside I see is that not many people are on it, especially my friends but I'm sure that'll change in time. Right now I'm following Android Devs, and the Google Team and they're pretty active on there right now. Overall, its looking good and looks to have great potential.
There's also a Huddle option that I haven't tried yet but I guess this is Google's answer to iMessenger, Whatsapp, Kik, etc. Pretty much anyone on Google+, be it on computer, Android, iOS, browser, can be included in the Huddle. Unfortunately, it seems to be a separate app than GTalk. Why they did this, I don't know. There's also a Hang Out feature where you can do a group chat with video which I haven't done yet. This feature isn't on the app, however. (Maybe in the future?)
Right now the downside I see is that not many people are on it, especially my friends but I'm sure that'll change in time. Right now I'm following Android Devs, and the Google Team and they're pretty active on there right now. Overall, its looking good and looks to have great potential.
Last edited by CGFebTSX04; Jun 30, 2011 at 09:50 PM.
Suzuka Master
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 5,846
Likes: 24
From: Oreland, Pa
Just got my invite as posted earlier in the Android thread. The interface is pretty clean. Haven't seen any ads yet but I'm sure that'll come soon considering this is Google we're talking about here. The Circles idea is genius as it allows you to post content to certain circles so you don't have to block certain individuals out completely. Everything is customizable in terms of privacy (I guess Google learned from the Buzz incident) and I mean everything as to who you allow to see whatever you share. The whole thing interfaces with the Google+ app on Android and an iOS version is coming out soon and the app is pretty nicely done. There is an instant upload feature where any picture you take on your phone gets instantly uploaded to your private picture folder on Google+. Once its uploaded, you can decide who to share that picture with. Viewing pictures is also nicely done unlike how it currently is on Facebook.
There's also a Huddle option that I haven't tried yet but I guess this is Google's answer to iMessenger, Whatsapp, Kik, etc. Pretty much anyone on Google+, be it on computer, Android, iOS, browser, can be included in the Huddle. Unfortunately, it seems to be a separate app than GTalk. Why they did this, I don't know. There's also a Hang Out feature where you can do a group chat with video which I haven't done yet. This feature isn't on the app, however. (Maybe in the future?)
Right now the downside I see is that not many people are on it, especially my friends but I'm sure that'll change in time. Right now I'm following Android Devs, and the Google Team and they're pretty active on there right now. Overall, its looking good and looks to have great potential.
There's also a Huddle option that I haven't tried yet but I guess this is Google's answer to iMessenger, Whatsapp, Kik, etc. Pretty much anyone on Google+, be it on computer, Android, iOS, browser, can be included in the Huddle. Unfortunately, it seems to be a separate app than GTalk. Why they did this, I don't know. There's also a Hang Out feature where you can do a group chat with video which I haven't done yet. This feature isn't on the app, however. (Maybe in the future?)
Right now the downside I see is that not many people are on it, especially my friends but I'm sure that'll change in time. Right now I'm following Android Devs, and the Google Team and they're pretty active on there right now. Overall, its looking good and looks to have great potential.
Safety Car
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 3,539
Likes: 295
From: LA, CA
PM me your e-mail address. I think the invite is hit and miss right now. I got invited 3 times before I was finally able to get in. I can invite but it doesn't gurantee that you'll get in. It might increase your chances of getting in earlier though.
Safety Car
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 3,539
Likes: 295
From: LA, CA
If Facebook doesn't adapt this really has the potential to. Everything about privacy that people are complaining about in Facebook is fixed/corrected in Google+. Right now Facebook is going the way of Myspace with all the phishing links that people click on nonstop. And those annoying game updates. 
If anyone is interested in an invite PM me with your GMail address. May or may not work.
If anyone is interested in an invite PM me with your GMail address. May or may not work.
Reports of it being a Facebook killer are a giant crock of shit for now. IF this does catch on, it'll be years and years before its anywhere near the size of Facebook. Too many people have settled into Facebook and won't want to switch or join another network. I have no plans on joining unless Facebook dies.
Reports of it being a Facebook killer are a giant crock of shit for now. IF this does catch on, it'll be years and years before its anywhere near the size of Facebook. Too many people have settled into Facebook and won't want to switch or join another network. I have no plans on joining unless Facebook dies.
This is exactly what people said about myspace and peeps jumped the myspace ship long before it "died".
Sanest Florida Man
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 45,973
Likes: 11,762
From: Florida
You might could say that FB is too big to fail.
Actually Google+ will be a good test to find out if people are willing to switch from a big online Internet service to a better competitor if one comes along.
No one has really switched from Windows it still has about 95% marketshare, no one switched to Zune from iPod (except me) but the Internet is different so they may switch they may not, but probably not. Most people will look at it and say, I already have all of this with Facebook, I don't need Google+ and I don't think Android or gmail users will somehow be encouraged to switch either.
Safety Car
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 3,539
Likes: 295
From: LA, CA
^Yup they did. It got so bad that they kinda crashed the site for a little yesterday. Google is holding off on invitations at the moment which is why I really can't invite people. Guess this is why its still in beta. Its not perfect but most everything works as it should. They just need to start opening it to more people faster.
^Yup they did. It got so bad that they kinda crashed the site for a little yesterday. Google is holding off on invitations at the moment which is why I really can't invite people. Guess this is why its still in beta. Its not perfect but most everything works as it should. They just need to start opening it to more people faster.
Safety Car
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 3,539
Likes: 295
From: LA, CA
Someone compiled thoughts by Facebook employees on Google+ so far:
https://plus.google.com/109877502655...ts/Ek97BTE8z4h
I think you guys should be able to see the post without having an account because its public. You just can't comment on it. You can see how the Image Viewing works and its pretty nice. You can either click on the picture itself or click on the "Gallery" to see a tile-like preview like they showed off in Windows 8.
Oh I also forgot to add, you can actually upload GIFs onto your albums which are animated in your stream. Like so:
https://plus.google.com/115635783790...WfPBRTm?tab=XX
https://plus.google.com/109877502655...ts/Ek97BTE8z4h
I think you guys should be able to see the post without having an account because its public. You just can't comment on it. You can see how the Image Viewing works and its pretty nice. You can either click on the picture itself or click on the "Gallery" to see a tile-like preview like they showed off in Windows 8.
Oh I also forgot to add, you can actually upload GIFs onto your albums which are animated in your stream. Like so:
https://plus.google.com/115635783790...WfPBRTm?tab=XX
Last edited by CGFebTSX04; Jul 1, 2011 at 02:56 PM.
Safety Car
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 3,539
Likes: 295
From: LA, CA
Also, one of the Plus developers explained how they choose who gets in for now:
https://plus.google.com/113882113745...p5fKMcC?tab=XX
Dave Besbris - Yesterday 6:51 PM - Public
Evening wonderful Google+ people! I'm starting to see a meme developing that there is a "backdoor" that skirts the invite system if you share to people who aren't using Google+ yet. That's actually not a backdoor, it's a feature.
We know that not everyone you want to share with is using Google+ yet and that perhaps your Grandma may be too busy playing Angry Birds on her iPad to ever join any social site. We allow you to easily share content to these folks via email, and in that email is an invitation to see your content and sign up if they want.
Well, that is the case when we are accepting new users. These invitations, like the more obvious kind, are all subject to our super secret formulas, mind numbingly complex algorithms (and nice guy named Brian who is watching a lot of graphs).
We are extremely proud of this product and want to grow it thoughtfully during its Field Trial, so thanks for your patience.
Evening wonderful Google+ people! I'm starting to see a meme developing that there is a "backdoor" that skirts the invite system if you share to people who aren't using Google+ yet. That's actually not a backdoor, it's a feature.
We know that not everyone you want to share with is using Google+ yet and that perhaps your Grandma may be too busy playing Angry Birds on her iPad to ever join any social site. We allow you to easily share content to these folks via email, and in that email is an invitation to see your content and sign up if they want.
Well, that is the case when we are accepting new users. These invitations, like the more obvious kind, are all subject to our super secret formulas, mind numbingly complex algorithms (and nice guy named Brian who is watching a lot of graphs).
We are extremely proud of this product and want to grow it thoughtfully during its Field Trial, so thanks for your patience.
Safety Car
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 3,539
Likes: 295
From: LA, CA
Sergey just posted this:
https://plus.google.com/109813896768...kbTae9F?tab=XX
Thought it was pretty cool.
Vic Gundotra is joining Hangouts every now and then. I guess he's doing some testing on Google+. Its pretty cool how active the Google guys are into the project. You can directly interact with them since they're looking for feedback on what to improve. They've already changed quite a few things since yesterday. Tom from Myspace is also on it and he's pretty active as well. lol.
Mapping the world, one line at a time, and you can watch it happen!
http://www.google.com/mapmaker/pulse
Google Map Maker
Real-time edits in Google Map Maker. See real-time mapping by Google users around the world.
http://www.google.com/mapmaker/pulse
Google Map Maker
Real-time edits in Google Map Maker. See real-time mapping by Google users around the world.
Thought it was pretty cool.
Vic Gundotra is joining Hangouts every now and then. I guess he's doing some testing on Google+. Its pretty cool how active the Google guys are into the project. You can directly interact with them since they're looking for feedback on what to improve. They've already changed quite a few things since yesterday. Tom from Myspace is also on it and he's pretty active as well. lol.
Safety Car
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 3,539
Likes: 295
From: LA, CA
Google created a mobile app that just makes the Facebook app look like it was created by a first grader. The app just goes great with the service and if they can incorporate it properly with iOS it would be a win win where you could just Huddle with your friends between Android and iOS without needing a texting plan. You need an account to use it though.
Safety Car
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 3,539
Likes: 295
From: LA, CA
Oh also, Google just announced that Picasa users will have unlimited uploading with Google+. Makes sense as it becomes incorporated once you start using Google+. I really like the way viewing and commenting pictures works on Google+. The way Facebook is doing it is horrible compared to the previous way they were doing it.
Source: http://www.readwriteweb.com/archives...and_videos.php
Thanks to Google Plus, Picasa Gets Unlimited Storage for Photos & Videos, Also Better Tagging
By Sarah Perez / July 1, 2011 8:40 AM / 0 Comments
With the launch of Google Plus, there may be some confusion as to how the photos uploaded to the social network (Google+) integrate with Google's online photo-sharing service (Picasa), especially in terms of storage limits. The answer provides some great news for Google Plus users - nearly everything you upload to Google Plus won't count towards your storage limits on Picasa, with the only exception being videos longer than 15 minutes.
And there's another nifty feature involving photo-tagging, too - your Google+ friends can now tag your Picasa photos.
Unlimited Storage on Picasa
According to a FAQ on Picasa's support site, the photo-sharing service provides up to 1 GB of free storage for photos and videos to its users. But since Google+ actively encourages storing and sharing photos - its Android app even offers an "instant upload" option - there may have been some concern about storage limits among Picasa users.
As it turns out, there's nothing to worry about. If you're signed up for Google+, photos up to 2048x2048 pixels and videos up to 15 minutes long won't count towards this free storage limit. And Google will automatically resize photos for you when you upload them to Google+, so they stay under the free size limit.
That means only photos uploaded directly to Picasa Web Albums over the 2048x2048 size will count towards the 1 GB of free storage, explains Google. And when that limit is reached, photos will be automatically resized.
Meanwhile, for non-Google+ users, there are slightly stricter rules: photos up to 800x800 and videos up to 15 minutes won't count towards free storage. Again, when the 1 GB limit is reached, larger photos will be resized down.
Simply put, this means that whether you're on Google+ or not, Picasa offers unlimited free storage for photos and videos (under 15 minutes). The difference is that Google+ users can upload higher resolution photos to Plus/Picasa without being penalized.
Photo Tagging, Too!
There are a few other integrations between Google Plus and Picasa to take note of as well, for example, photo tagging.
This very Facebook-like feature lets anyone in your extended network in Google+ tag people in your public photos. The person tagged is given the option to view the album and share it. If you've been tagged by someone in your Circles, the tag is automatically approved. You can remove tags on the photos homepage in Google+ or the Photos tab on your Google Profile. And if you would rather have more control, you can adjust this setting to enable manual approval of tags.
For those who were already using tagging in Picasa previously, all existing name tags in Picasa remain when you join Google+.
Additional source, re: storage - Ryo Cook, via Google Plus, of course; Above photo - it's never too early to be tagged, right Josie?
By Sarah Perez / July 1, 2011 8:40 AM / 0 Comments
With the launch of Google Plus, there may be some confusion as to how the photos uploaded to the social network (Google+) integrate with Google's online photo-sharing service (Picasa), especially in terms of storage limits. The answer provides some great news for Google Plus users - nearly everything you upload to Google Plus won't count towards your storage limits on Picasa, with the only exception being videos longer than 15 minutes.
And there's another nifty feature involving photo-tagging, too - your Google+ friends can now tag your Picasa photos.
Unlimited Storage on Picasa
According to a FAQ on Picasa's support site, the photo-sharing service provides up to 1 GB of free storage for photos and videos to its users. But since Google+ actively encourages storing and sharing photos - its Android app even offers an "instant upload" option - there may have been some concern about storage limits among Picasa users.
As it turns out, there's nothing to worry about. If you're signed up for Google+, photos up to 2048x2048 pixels and videos up to 15 minutes long won't count towards this free storage limit. And Google will automatically resize photos for you when you upload them to Google+, so they stay under the free size limit.
That means only photos uploaded directly to Picasa Web Albums over the 2048x2048 size will count towards the 1 GB of free storage, explains Google. And when that limit is reached, photos will be automatically resized.
Meanwhile, for non-Google+ users, there are slightly stricter rules: photos up to 800x800 and videos up to 15 minutes won't count towards free storage. Again, when the 1 GB limit is reached, larger photos will be resized down.
Simply put, this means that whether you're on Google+ or not, Picasa offers unlimited free storage for photos and videos (under 15 minutes). The difference is that Google+ users can upload higher resolution photos to Plus/Picasa without being penalized.
Photo Tagging, Too!
There are a few other integrations between Google Plus and Picasa to take note of as well, for example, photo tagging.
This very Facebook-like feature lets anyone in your extended network in Google+ tag people in your public photos. The person tagged is given the option to view the album and share it. If you've been tagged by someone in your Circles, the tag is automatically approved. You can remove tags on the photos homepage in Google+ or the Photos tab on your Google Profile. And if you would rather have more control, you can adjust this setting to enable manual approval of tags.
For those who were already using tagging in Picasa previously, all existing name tags in Picasa remain when you join Google+.
Additional source, re: storage - Ryo Cook, via Google Plus, of course; Above photo - it's never too early to be tagged, right Josie?
Safety Car
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 3,539
Likes: 295
From: LA, CA
It really seems to be hit and miss. I think your chances are increased when more people invite you. I know that I was invited at least three times before I was able to get in. I was also trying to log once every hour. lol. Some people got in with one invite so I'm not sure how they pick.
Suzuka Master
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 9,012
Likes: 439
From: SoCal
Yeah its pretty awesome so far. Haven't tried the hangout feature yet. They're going to make some changes to the Huddle cause apparently you can't leave a one-on-one conversation at the moment. I've been following the Android devs and the Google team. Only a few of my friends are on there right now which makes that stream pretty lonely. lol. I've already noticed my Twitter timeline has gone down since Google+ got introduced. A lot of the Android guys have already ditched Twitter and started using Google+ full on.
.
.
Safety Car
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 3,539
Likes: 295
From: LA, CA
https://plus.google.com/114202150062...15Hv1JT?tab=XX
Make a post then share it. In the share box, add the emails you want to add. It probably also helps that you incorporate the people you're inviting into a Circle first so it looks more legit.
Suzuka Master
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 9,012
Likes: 439
From: SoCal
There's a way to invite but its not 100% at the moment. Its probably the same method used to invite you. More details here:
https://plus.google.com/114202150062...15Hv1JT?tab=XX
Make a post then share it. In the share box, add the emails you want to add. It probably also helps that you incorporate the people you're inviting into a Circle first so it looks more legit.
https://plus.google.com/114202150062...15Hv1JT?tab=XX
Make a post then share it. In the share box, add the emails you want to add. It probably also helps that you incorporate the people you're inviting into a Circle first so it looks more legit.
and thats how i'm inviting people
I think mods need to make a Google thread, i was gonna say the update for calendars is nice, although its just cosmetic for now.
How do you make a post? Or, more like, where do you go to make a post?
Never mind, I just joined a Google + Discuss group, which I guess is where you can make a post.
Never mind, I just joined a Google + Discuss group, which I guess is where you can make a post.
Last edited by madcaps; Jul 2, 2011 at 12:54 AM.