Getting Started with the Google+ App

The Google+ app is largely the same on Android and iOS devices (as shown in Figure 13-9 and Figure 13-10). It has a similar interface and elements, although some elements are in different locations.

The following elements appear in the center of the screen and are common to both applications:

+ Stream

+ Messenger

+ Photos

+ Profile

+ Circles

Notifications appear in a gray box at the top-right of the Android app and at the bottom of the display on the iOS version. Tapping a notification item opens the list of recent activity.

On the Android version, pressing the phone’s Menu button gives you the following options (as shown in Figure 13-11):

+ Settings

+ Send feedback

+ Sign out

+ Help

+ Privacy policy

+ Terms of service

Another key difference is that in the iOS version, shortcut icons for Messenger and Post appear at the top-right of the screen. The iOS version also has a search box. Tap it to search for posts and people in Google+.

Adjusting settings on the Android app

To access the Settings on the Google+ app for Android, press the Menu button and tap Settings. The Settings menu (as shown in Figure 13-12) has the following options.

Google+ notifications

+ Google+ notifications. Enabled by default and determines whether notifications relating to Google+ activity appear in the status bar.

+ Vibrate. Determines whether the mobile device vibrates when new notifications are received.

+ Ringtone. Enables you to choose a custom ringtone for new Google+ notifications.

+ Notification settings. Determines what activity warrants a notification.

Messenger notifications

+ Who can message you. Tap to view the following options:

+ Anyone (the default)

+ Your circles

+ Extended circles

+ Messenger notifications. Determines whether new messages appear on the status bar.

+ Vibrate. Determines whether the mobile device vibrates when new messages appear.

+ Ringtone. Enables you to choose a custom ringtone for a Google+ message.

Photo settings

+ Enable Instant Upload. With this setting enabled, all photos taken on the smartphone are sent directly to Google+.

+ When to upload photos. Choose between Wi-Fi or mobile network or Over Wi-Fi only.

+ Roaming uploads. Enables you to upload photos using a data connection (when you’re overseas). If you activate it, you can incur significant data charges on your cell phone bill, so I’d leave it unselected.

+ On battery. Determines whether photos are uploaded when you are using the battery or only when you are connected to a power source.

+ Upload all photos. This option sends all photos currently residing on your phone to Google+.

Press the Back button to return to the Google+ app.

Adjusting settings on the iOS app

Tapping the settings icon in the iOS version of the Google+ app opens the following options:

+ Sign out. Tap this to sign out of your Google+ account.

+ Push notifications. Tap this to choose what type of Google+ activity warrants a push notification.

+ Choose stream views. By default Circles, Incoming, and Nearby Streams are selected. You can choose other Circles you have created from this menu.

+ Who can message you. By default everyone can message you, but you can also choose Extended circles and Your circles.

Tap Done to return to the Google+ app.