Google+ has slowly been gaining in popularity over the last couple of months. The social network launched in an invite only basis and the number of members has slowly been creeping up. Google + Hangouts were the most recent part of the social network to get a nice face lift and it will likely become one of the more popular features of the site. Google+ Hangouts are a place where you can drop into a videoconference between friends by clicking a link in your social news feed. The feature allows each person to invite eight friends and engage in face to face video chat sessions. Google+ added an app for Android 2.3 and newer versions that works with any phone that has a front-facing camera.
With Google+ Hangouts being the hottest feature of the social network, more users are likely to use it now that it can be done via mobile, the same way it is done from the desktop. Google has also mentioned they will have support for iOS very soon. Some of the upgraded features included better search, new sharing options, live-stream and record video and the Android app of course. Of all the upgrades, analysts are saying that the live broadcast feature is likely to be the most popular. This feature allows users to broadcast content to Google+ people to become spectators right from the news feed. The broadcasts can also be recorded for those that would like to find them later via search.
The live video conferencing feature is limited right now, but according to the Google blog, that will likely change very soon. The first ever broadcast will be with will.i.am from the Black Eyed Peas coming up tomorrow night. Currently you are allowed to share things like YouTube videos, Google Docs or a Sketchpad. Google has these features collecting feedback so that when they are opened more widely to the public all the bugs are worked out. Developers have had a chance to look at the Google API and now they can also get their hands on the Hangout API. Some say that could open the doors to games and other apps that can be used by everyone in the Hangout. The videoconferencing platform could be used for any number of things and developers are eager to give it a try.
