Google Plus Opens Up to the Public

Allison Howen
by Allison Howen 20 Sep, 2011

 

Google has opened up the exclusive gates of Google+ to the public.

 

Over a 90-day trial period for Google+, 91 improvements have been made to the up-and-coming social network. On Tuesday, with the release of nine more features, a total of 100 changes have been made to the social network that Google claims is still, "in its infancy."

 

Features 92 through 100 include:

 

Google Hangouts on your phone- This feature brings the live video feature of Google Hangouts to Android 2.3+ devices with front-facing cameras. iOS support is said to be coming soon.

 

Google Hangouts on Air- Create or view a public broadcast. Currently, only a limited number of people can broadcast, but any Google+ member can view the broadcast. Additionally, Google will be hosting an On Air hangout with Will.i.am on September 21.

 

Screensharing- This feature allows other Hangout users to view your screen.

 

Sketchpad- This feature gives users the ability to doodle and draw together in Hangouts.

 

Google Docs- Use Google Docs in Hangouts to write, plan or present something with others.

 

Named Hangouts- This feature allows users to join or create a public hangout about a certain topic.

 

Hangout APIs- This feature gives developers the ability to build new kinds of apps, games or anything else that their creative brains may think of.

 

Search in Google+- The search engine giant brings search to its social network, which will provide relevant people, posts and content to search queries.

 

Open signups- Google+ is now open to the public.