I’m playing around a bit with Google+ this week.
As I’m writing this, it’s still in a rapidly expanding private beta.
Let me start by saying I will never rip on a products stability or functionality while it’s still in beta.
That being said, there are a few things that could tip me over the edge and make me fall in love to G+
1 – iOS app
It is, apparently, on its way! The mobile-web version is nice, but I’m just missing too much functionality. I’m seeing a lot more interaction from my Android friends (…wait… friends with android devices… I don’t actually have any android friends… that’d be cool)
2 – API
Also… on it’s way. The beauty of Facebook and Twitter right now is my ability to leverage other applications (Tumblr, Instagram, SocialCam, WordPress, etc…) to organize my social media flow. Right now that development really hasn’t happened for G+. When it does… I’ll be a little more on board.
3 – Mobile Hangouts
My phone has a better camera than my laptop. I’d love to hang-out… on the go.
4 – Broader friend finder
I’ve exhausted my Google Contacts, and really don’t have any on Yahoo and Hotmail. I’d love to mine my other socnets.
The other issue I’ve come across is that most of my G+ friends are of the “tech-set”. The more of them I add to my circles, the more my suggested follows center around that area.
5 – +1 Trends
Google has added the items I’ve “+1’d” across the Internet, to my profile. I’d love to see what’s trending. Not only globally, but in my circles!
6 – A place for brands
Again, Google says this is coming. I’ve seen a few brands (primarily content publishers) jump on the account creation process already.
I have just been a part of migrating too many brands from Facebook profiles, to groups, to pages – to want to jump on this TOO quickly. I am glad it’s being acknowledged, and hopefully we will avoid significant brands trying to fit their round persona into the square hole of a personal profile.
I’m glad they are recognizing this need, and are developing a place for it.
7 – My friends
Most of you who read this are still following a link from Twitter or Facebook. Frankly… I have no loyalty to any social network… I just hang out wherever YOU do.
What about you? If you are on Google+, what will prevent this from being “just another status update I have to worry about”?
Another handy feature would be screen-sharing in hangouts! I use Skype a lot for remote training/troubleshooting. Doing this in a group format, or right in hangouts would be pretty awesome.