Just when you thought that no one could take Facebook’s crown, Google+ stepped onto the scene. Every since then we’ve seen an onslaught of Google+ extensions and blog posts explaining why one should switch from Facebook to Google+.
More and more users are deserting their Twitter and Facebook profiles and moving on, but why start over with Google+? There is no need to desert those sites when you can keep up with them right from your Google+ stream. If you’re someone that can’t seem to stay off of Google+, yet still want to be able to keep up with your friends on Twitter and Facebook, you’ll love the Start G+ Chrome extension.
Start G+ “is designed to help you jump right in to Google’s new social network.” It has so many features that it’s almost overwhelming, yet all of these features are blended nicely into the Google+ interface. It’s almost as if they are supposed to be there!
Getting Started
Once installed you won’t notice a difference until you visit Google+ – then you’ll see 4 new icons in the header of the site. There are icons for Facebook, Twitter, and Start G+ on the far right and a Gmail icon on the far left. You’ll need to sign into both Facebook and Twitter by clicking on the icons and then on “sign in.”
Once connected, clicking those icons will show you the available options for each site.
Facebook Options
By default, Facebook notifications are turned off. You can turn them on if desired. You can also choose whether or not to merge the Facebook feed in with the Google+ stream and whether or not to show a link to the feed underneath Sparks (in the left sidebar).
Twitter Options
Like Facebook, you can have tweets merged in with the Google+ stream and/or have a link to the feed underneath Sparks.
Start G+ Options
The Start G+ button is there to let you disable/enable the Facebook features, Twitter features, and/or Gmail notifier. If you really enjoy using this tool, you can also send a donation via PayPal.
Gmail Integration
Once you log into your Gmail account, you’ll be able to see the number of unread messages on the Gmail icon. You can then click the icon to view the last 10 messages or so (depending on your screen size) in your inbox. Clicking on a message will take you to your inbox.
Streams
As you can see, the Twitter and Facebook updates fit quite well into the Google+ stream. They are automatically refreshed every 5-10 minutes. 
With Twitter updates you can reply right within your Google+ stream. You can also retweet, but be warned that as soon as you click on retweet, it will be sent to Twitter. There is no sort of confirmation like on Twitter.com or most apps; so just be sure that you really want to retweet the post before clicking.
Likewise you can also add comments to Facebook posts from within your stream and “like” posts as well.
Import Facebook Pictures
If you visit the official website, you can also transfer or sync your photos from Facebook to Google+.
Post to Twitter and Facebook
Lastly, you can also post updates to Twitter and/or Facebook whenever you post to Google+. Just click the icon of the service you want to update. A red check on the icon means that service will be updated along with Google+.
Final Thoughts
Start G+ turns Google+ into the ultimate social hub. Why visit Twitter and Facebook when you can read and post right from Google+? There just isn’t a need anymore with the convenience of this tool. Additionally, why quit those sites altogether and start all over at Google+?
It really doesn’t have to be a dilemma anymore. You can have fun on Google+, Facebook, and Twitter all at the same time.
Get started with Start G+
