Running Google Plus on Android

Adding to the much fanfare about Google’s latest attempt at getting Social Networking right – The Google+ launch has seen it’s share of twitter trends & the tussle between the haves & the have-nots. Very entertaining. I got my hands on G+ just yesterday so this isn’t a full review & am also not getting into any speculations. There are enough Social Media Gurus out there already raving.. Am watching

What got me interested was the Android app of G+, lets not forget that Google did try the same thing with Buzz & it failed to take off in any direction. The interface is much more cleaner now, I’d say idiot proof too. So here are a few screen shots which should give you a fair idea of what functionality can it serve, especially for those who are always on their smartphones (Android that is..)

The main screen of G+ (version 1) is pretty simple & I like that. There is some space below the Profile button which hints at additional functions to be added later & the notification is classic Android style drawer which you can pull to check. Neat!

This is the Stream preview. Note how G+ gives credit to the original author – Robert Scoble here. Also interesting is the Check-in Button at the top (Hello Foursquare!!?), Option to click & upload a photo and Share an update with the selected Circle.

The Photos screen is pretty basic, but that helps in loading faster. By connecting my Picasa account, G+ has simply pulled in all the albums there. Again, very smart import & navigation.

The Circles screen (No I haven’t yet fully gone into this) but thats cause this is a no-brainer review. It quickly shows & allows you to browse your contacts plus check the Suggested contacts to follow in People tab. Google needs to add a bit more functionality here if the app has to be used independently like others in this space.

Thats my profile right there. Very much like Facebook here, showing About, Posts and Photos tabs below and activity stream.

Huddle, this has to be the most interesting feature I’ve seen coming from Google. You can start a group discussion or messaging instantly with a selected circle. Many applications for this are possible as user base builds up. Wonder if this can be used to Spam people? (Ouch!) and how that can be avoided. Will explore this feature the most and post a video review soon.

So are you on Google+ yet?

Bottomline: All the Social Media Rockstars & Press have landed on G+, which is cause of all the buzz around it. Give it a few days and weeks if possible, see if it grows on you. Personally, I landed pretty late at the Twitter party and I think I’ve done well. So enjoy exploring