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Google+ iPhone App
Good news! After what seemed like a long wait, the Google+ app is now available for the iPhone in the iTunes App Store. In less than 24 hours since its arrival, Google+ has risen to the top spot for unpaid apps in the App Store, providing further proof that Google+ continues to be the hottest topic in tech this summer.
The iPhone app is identical to the Android app (see, Google+: What’s the Buzz About?) so the functionality is more limited than using Google+ from a computer. The Google+ app doesn’t include Hangouts, there are Huddles instead, which are group text chats. You also can’t re-share posts from others on the app as you can from your computer.
The first time you use the app, you are asked to sign in and whether you want to activate Push Notifications and Location Services (see, Apps: To Push or Not to Push?). After you have made your selections, you then open a home screen with choices including Stream, Photos, Circles, Huddle and Profile. You can choose to have all of your photos from your device uploaded to Google+ and sync your account with your Picassa account.
Google has made their app very useful by allowing you to see all of your stream or parts of it, such as individual circles. You can +1 a post, watch posted videos and comment. You can see all the photos your Circles have posted as well as photos from your albums and from your phone (if you have enabled these features).
But be aware that this app only works with the iPhone, not the iPad or the iPod Touch. No word yet on when the app will be available for the iPad and iPod Touch. For now, if you want to access Google+ from these devices, go to the Google+ mobile website: m.google.com/plus.
Anyone who is familiar with the Facebook mobile apps will get the feeling that Google has once again leapfrogged Facebook for user experience.
If you have been using the Google+ Web App on your iPhone, be sure to download the app today from the iTunes App Store here: Google+ in the iTunes App Store. For some reason, the app is difficult to find in the iTunes App Store so be sure to use this handy link! And stay tuned to The Wonder of Tech for information when the Google+ app comes to the iPad and iPod Touch.
iExit
Good news for Android users. Two of my favorite apps from the iTunes App Store have arrived in the Android Market! iExit, a fantastic app for anyone planning a road trip, (see, Road Trip? iExit Is Your Must-Have App!) is free for a limited time in the Android Market. This app gives you vital information on locations of restaurants, stores and hotels at upcoming exits along your route. No more driving along the highway, wondering what’s ahead at the next few exits! You can find the app here: iExit in the Android Market.
RunPee
Another of my favorite apps, RunPee, is also available now for free in the Android Market. RunPee has been enhanced from when I reviewed it previously (see, RunPee: Your Must-Have Movie Companion!). I know, you’re wondering, “How could RunPee possibly get any better than it was before?” Get this, in addition to letting you know when to take breaks during movies, RunPee now includes summaries of the first five minutes of movies just in case you’re running late. And who hasn’t arrived at a movie late only to wonder what they missed?
RunPee isn’t back in the iTunes App Store yet, but The Wonder of Tech will let you know when the app returns.
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Are you excited about the Google+ app arriving in the iTunes App Store? Are you using Google+ on the go? Are you excited to see more must-have apps come to the Android Market? Let us know in the Comments section below!
* Image by Charlie Wollborg
** Image by cambodia4kids.org Beth Kanter
Carolyn,
Google+ definitely is a hot topic right now.
I haven’t used Google+ on the go yet but I am definitely amazed by how quickly it rose to the top crushing the competition. You know it virtually threw the promotion of Facebook’s new chat feature in the shadows (O:
Hi Adam, Great point! Two weeks ago, Facebook launched its “awesome” feature of video calling and yet no one is talking about it now. This will be an interesting time for social media!
You should give the Google+ app (or mobile web site a try). The app is free and you can always delete it if you don’t like it.
Thanks so much, Adam, for your visit, brilliant comment and tweets! 🙂
Carolyn, I’m so glad you keep on top of all this new technology. Thanks for keeping us posted!
I haven’t tried the Google+ iPhone App yet, but it sounds neat. Thanks for the warning that it doesn’t work on an iPad or iPod Touch…at least, not yet.
Have a good one.
Hi Allyson, yes, I was quite surprised to see that the Google+ app was only available on the iPhone, not the iPad nor the iPod Touch. Many negative reviews of the app have been posted in the iTunes App Sotre because of this.
I imagine when Google updates this app to make it universal among iOS devices, the reviews will be much more positive.
Thanks so much for your visit and comment. I’m very pleased you’re enjoying the blog!
This application is very great. I have tried using this one and it seems very helpful to me. I also get to ask one of my friends about this and he has the same feeling as mine. I hope there will be more helpful apps like this they will develop soon.
Hi Samantha, Welcome to The Wonder of Tech! I’m not sure which app you are referring to, but they’re all great so any one will do. I’m glad your friend enjoyed the app too.
Thanks so much for your visit and comment. 🙂
Ah lol sorry for the confusion. I mean the google +. Currently, more people are using it and they are checking if this new google feature is actually beneficial to them for both personal and business use.