Google Plus Releases New Features, But Does It Even Matter?
Google Plus is getting new features even though the social media site has been struggling for some time. Google is still updating the product even though they have previously admitted it was a bad idea to launch it in the first place.
While users seem to be expecting Google’s social networking site to close, the tech giant is still adding new features to Google Plus. The most recent feature has been added without any major announcements. Those who still use the Google Plus app may have noticed that before the update they could not share something outside of the app.
A new share option has been added recently to allow sharing outside the app; although, it wasn’t reported until Monday, Sept. 7. The new share feature is only available through the Google Plus app.
In addition to the new share option, Google has also introduced Google Plus Collections. This feature is only available on iOS devices, according to a recent Google blog post. iOS users who still use the Google Plus app can fill their feeds with images and conversations relevant to their interests.
But, do these new features really matter? Google Plus has been crushed by hefty competition from Facebook and Twitter. There are rumors swirling that Google’s social networking will go out the same way Orkut, Google Buzz, and Google Wave did. Google no longer requires users to create Google Plus accounts, and has made Photos and Hangouts stand-alone apps.
In addition to distancing itself from the dying social networking site, the search engine giant has also decided not to link YouTube accounts to Google Plus.
Google has been focused on its new parent company, Alphabet and its new operating system, Android M. Still, there is some confusion on what Alphabet is supposed to be, but the new operating system is expected to be released in the month of September. A recent update on Google Plus said the service is being prepped for the upgrade.
Android users are looking forward to Google’s new operating system, since it’s been a year since the Lollipop OS launch. Much like Alphabet, Android M remains a mystery; however, tech insiders have referred to it as the “Macadamia Nut Cookie.”
A report on Android Police has announced there will be an update on Google Plus called V6.1, which means, “Google is working to make its apps compliant with the new permission model in Android M.”
Will these new updates make Google Plus more desirable? Probably not. But, the updates may make the Google Plus app run more smoothly on both iOS and Android devices.
Are you still a Google Plus user? Will these new features make you want to use the social networking site? Share your thoughts below in the comments section.
[Photo by Sean Gallup/Getty Images]
