Google has taken radical steps to re-introduce its user interface. Google has rolled out a complete overhaul to its UI and it has been met by praise and disdain by users. Google has also promised to begin releasing more apps, several new features, and tweaks to existing features to keep users interested in its social network.
Since Google+ has seen a decline in its user statistics, everything from how many people are joining the site to how many are actually using it, they have been trying to revitalize its features so more users take advantage of what Google+ has to offer.
Take a look at Google+’s new look
Here’s a brief video from Google on the changes to Google+:
Let’s take a walk through of some of the active changes on Google+ and its interface.
When you login to Google+, you will immediately notice everything has changed.
On the left-hand side, where you would normally find the primary text menu, you will see a ribbon filled with where you can go on Google+.
From there, in the center, you will find your Stream.
The Stream itself has not fundamentally changed. It flows better than it did before, and it looks more streamlined. You can still interact with it the same way you did previously.
On the right-hand side, you will see a much smoother area for the miscellaneous things you can do on Google+.
Google+ trends will be on the top so you can immediately see what people are discussing on the network and take part. From there, you can start a Hangout as well as check out people and things you might be interested in.
At the bottom, you will also find a pop-up to Google Talk.
Simply click on it to sign in and start chatting with Google+ friends or those just added to Google Talk.
At the top of your Stream, you will find the familiar Gear Icon to get to your Google+ settings.
If you take a look at your Stream, you can easily filter through the different Circles you have by clicking one or using the “More” button to drop down to more choices.
Click “Profile” in the left-hand menu.
Now, you can see the new profile layout.
This includes a cover photo, another streamlined look to your profile and on the right-hand side, you will find your basic profile details as we as a profile picture.
Now, click “Explore.”
Explore allows you to see what is hot on Google+, start chats and more.
Then, click “Hangouts.”
From here, you can set up a Hangout with family, friends or Circles. Hangouts can now be tracked and viewed, too.
Click “Photos.”
The photo area has not changed much but it takes on that streamlined look Google is going for across all areas of Google+.
The biggest change to photos on Google+ is how they are displayed, especially in the Stream. Pictures are bigger, like Facebook’s similar feature, and they take up more space on your screen so you can truly see the best in a photo.
Now, click “Circles.”
Again, this is another area that has not changed much from its previous incarnation. Just looks a bit smoother.
Then, click “Games.”
Not much has changed here if you have not taken advantage of the new games on Google+, now could be a good chance to see what they are all about.
Finally, click “More.”
You have access to Pages from this menu. As Google+ adds more features, instead of increasing the navigation ribbon on the left-hand side, you will see additions to the More section for you to choose from.
As you can see, Google+ has streamlined and made its social network much cleaner looking by changing its user interface.
Does Google+’s new look make a difference to users?
Google has boosted its social network has over 170 million users throughout the world, but while this statistic seems staggering, not many users are actually using the site. While some have made the switch entirely to Google+, Google’s activities surrounding its privacy policy, Activity and more have made folks cautious about using the social network as opposed to what they are already using. While Google+ could be a worthy alternative to Facebook in particular, unless Google truly comes up with new ways to captivate Google+ users, the network will go nowhere.
Google plans to release a few more features and updates in the coming weeks. Keep an eye out for changes to your navigation bar, tweaks to areas you use on the site and more. We will keep you updated at these changes occur.
In the meantime, what do you think of Google’s UI update? Do you love it or hate it? What do you think Google can do to make it even better? Are you looking forward to more features in Google+? If so, what would you like to see them add to make you more of a fan? We would love to hear what you think!
