What's New?

Hey,

Google I/O 2013

The new Google+ layout harmonizes your Google experience across all devices: smartphone, tablet and desktop.

- Recognizing importance of MOBILE.

The Layout: It's all in the CARDS.

Very "Google Now" 2 or 3 columns depending on monitor width.

View in single column mode by clicking on "more" icon on top toolbar.

Posts don't auto load.To load new posts either click on the "blue box" in upper left corner or press "L" on your keyboard.

Given the amount of content visible in the 3 column view, allowing the page to remain static allows us time to enjoy the post without having to play "catch up".

Another advantage is that if we are interrupted, we can continue where we left off on our return.

I give Google+ an "A+" on this one.

Creating a Post? - Think like a journalist

1. Use SEO friendly headlines. It's got to stand out on the magazine rack. Think keywords. Google indexes your Google+ posts faster than it does your blog.

2. BOLD your headlines - Asterix * either side of a word will bold

3. Use Hi-Res images and videos. The better the quality, the bigger the real estate it will occupy on the page.

4. When sharing outside post, anchor with image, give a title (bold) and summary with link to original.

Creating posts in G+ much the same - only prettier!

The post box is now responsive, lying in wait for you in the left column until you click it.

Then it jumps to centre stage ready for you to slide images, videos, links or files into it.

Very cool and put your creativity front and centre.

#Hashtags: a fun way to search

Hashtags auto appears in post.(Unless disabled - see below.)

Click to flip card to see related post.

After 5 turns, receive list of related hashtags.

To disable auto hashtags, go to settings and uncheck box.

Search Within Google+General - People - Communities - Posts - Photos

Hashtags - Trending

TIP: from Martin Shervington:Use the forward slash " / " and the cursor will jump into the Google+ Search box saving you from having to pull down that section of the screen.

Notifications:To explore your "mentions" and past posts, click on the ‘view all notifications’ in your notification setting you will see ‘all posts’ ‘your posts’ ‘other people’s posts’ and ‘mentions of you’ - this will make it easier to find the most important notifications and know what they're saying about you.

So,what else is new?

Well, there's the Fancy Photos...

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The Brand new HangoutsVoice chat with group video call option.

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And the Colourful Circles

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What do you think of the changes?

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