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Google+ points the way for open membership


An arrow extending to the top left of the screen is inviting the public to join Google's upcoming social network Google+. Shortly after Google+ switched from field test to beta, visitors to Google's homepage (www.google.com) would see an arrow pointing to the top left of the screen. "Thanks for waiting. Google+ is open to all! Join now," read a message at the bottom of the search box. Assuming the visitor does not have a Google account or is not signed in, the blue arrow extending to the top left of the screen points to "You." Google+ moved into beta earlier this week, and dropped the requirement for prospective members to have an invitation to join it. During the last 90 days, Google+ has had more than 100 new features, which include:

  • Hangouts video chat for mobile phones, initially supporting Android 2.3+ devices with front-facing cameras; iOS support is coming soon.
  • Hangouts On Air, for speaking to a large audience, or to view as a spectator.
  • Hangouts with extras such as Screensharing, Sketchpad, Google Docs.
  • Search in Google+
  • Improved SMS support. Users in the US and India can now post to Google+, receive notifications, and respond to group messages via SMS (with more countries on the way).
  • Renaming Huddle to Messenger, and enhanced group communication features, including photo sharing.
— TJD, GMA News
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