Google+ First Impressions

I just received a Google+ invite yesterday ( thank you @LeanneGoodall ), and I already feel like i’ve got to grips with everything. Its navigation is so clean, yet it has so much innovative functionality. I hope this doesn’t change if google decides to introduce loads of apps and ads (I predict they will at some point), although they usually find an unobtrusive way to implement these things. I think the main reason I’m enjoying this social network is because i’m a google user (gmail, google reader, google docs, and so on) and it’s convenient to have everything in one place. Below is a little bit about my favourite features.

Circles

With circles you can share posts with specific groups of people quick and easily. For instance, seperating post for friends from family members or work colleges. You can also create your own custom circles. you can include people in more than one circle, and easily move or remove people. Only you can see what circles you have placed people into.

Extended Circles

This is basically the choice of whether or not you want to allow the circles of the circles you share with, see specific posts. If that sounds like gobbledy gook, google explain it here.

Mentions

If you want to grab someone’s attention when you share in Google+, you can mention them by placing the ‘+’ or ‘@’ sign before their name. When you do this, the person may receive a notification that you mentioned them in a post (depending on their notification settings.) They’ll also be able to see the entirety of the post on which they were mentioned even if the post wasn’t originally shared with them.

Blocking People

When you block someone:

• You won’t see their content in the stream (even though you’ll remain in their circles).
• They’ll be removed from any circles of yours that they appear in.
• They’ll be removed from your extended circles even if you have mutual connections.
• They won’t be able to comment on your content that was posted after they were blocked.
• They won’t be able to view content shared with your circles (although they may still see content you post publicly).
• They won’t be able to mention you in posts or comments.

Sparks

I would describe Sparks as a saved feed of your favourite web searches. For each topic it will produce the latest stories, which you can easily and quickly share with your circles and spark a conversation.

What do you think of Google+? Feel free to comment below.