GOOGLE +

AN EFFECTIVE POSSIBILITY

Everything You Need To Know About Google+

Google+ is an amalgamation of several services we already use. The idea, according to Google is to do them better. We'll have a full review and impressions soon. In the meantime, check out our breakdown of what Google+ can do below.

"Circles" groups your friends together

Google Circles are groups of friends you organize by topic: Friends, Family, College Buddies, Roommates, etc.

From your Circles page you drag and drop your contacts into each of these groups, which makes it easier to share what you want with them.

Sparks helps you find interesting content based on interest

Sparks is like Google Reader, except it brings content to you automatically based on your interests. Each topic (tech, kitties, whatever) will get its own "Spark" page and provide links to related articles, videos, photos, etc.

Hangouts lets you video chat with all your buddies

Hangouts are virtual rooms where you can video chat with people in your circles. For example, if you're not busy, you can start a talk with your pals. So, basically, it's just video chat.

Huddles is a new group messaging app

Huddles is group messaging for people within your Circles. There's a mobile app available for Android now that lets you send messages from your phone. Select your group, and everyone can chat with each other.

Instant Upload shares your mobile photos

This one's simple. When you snap a photo on your Android phone, it's automatically uploaded to Google+.

How do you get it?

Google+ is invite-only right now. You can visit the Google+ home page to request one.

Eventually, everyone with a Google account will be phased in to the program. When you log in you'll see the +You button as pictured here.