Google+ Gets Big Update to Access Pages

The Google+ app has been updated to version 3.2 and offers a long-awaited addition. Both the Android and iOS versions now give users the ability to post, comment, and interact with their followers from their Google+ Pages on their mobile device. In order to access your page you have to sign out of Google+ and then sign back in. Upon signing in, you will be given the option to select your page.

While I’m not sold on the idea of having to sign in/out to access my page, I like having access to it from my mobile device. My hope is that Google will make some improvements to this process in future updates (especially since I manage multiple pages).

Along with the Pages update, the Android version includes a redesigned home screen widget, 1-click access to photos in a post and the ‘Circles’ tab has been replaced by a new way to ‘Find People’ in Google+. The iOS version adds iPhone 5 and iOS 6 support, and the ability to edit your posts.

But That’s Not It… More Changes

Along with the changes mentioned above, G+ers have noticed some other changes in the G+ mobile app that show Google designers are listening to their users.

The way images show within a post have changed for the better. Instead of the image being the focus of attention in a post, the main image has been faded out and reduced to a thumbnail, making the the description/title more readable. I like the new look and think it’s a good compromise for those who disliked the larger image on posts with links.

The new ‘Find People’ tab is a nice way to find new people or businesses to follow, but I’m going to miss the old Circles tab to manage my circle of friends. While I tend to not change people around once I place them in a circle, sometimes I want to find an individual page with little effort. This new change takes that away from me.

While there’s always more room for improvement, it’s good to see Google give some attention to their G+ app. If you haven’t installed it or have received the update notification, the new Google+ app is available for Android and iOS. If you have given G+ a try, is this enough to entice you?

Via: +Anish Acharya

Update: After writing this post about the new G+ app, the the newly updated G+ app started having some major connection issues and was no more. But after a couple of hours, things were back to normal.