I have been using and enjoying Google+ for almost two weeks. My usage of Google+ is having a significant impact on my Facebook time. These are the top three features for me about Google+
1. Circles are the Google+ method for organizing the people I am connected with. Circles are easy to create by simply dragging and dropping. I can view the stream of posts from people within a specific circle. For example, I can view my “Family” circle just to see the new posts, images, and videos from my family.
Circles also determine how I share status updates, images, and videos. When I share on Google+ I can opt-in other users. On Facebook using lists opting “friends” out never seemed easy or intuitive to me. Thus on Facebook I never shared photos of my kids because it was too difficult to opt out all of the Facebook friends I didn’t necessarily want to be sharing kid photos with.
I can also share my EMS related content just with the people in my EMS Circles. No more complaints from friends and family that are saying “enough with all the EMS stuff.” I can share the “EMS stuff” with the people that share that interest with me.
2. Photo uploading and sharing is a breeze with the Google+ Android App. Every time I take a photo of video it is uploaded to a private album in my Google Photos. I can then choose which Circles to share the photo, geo-tag the photo, and add a caption. It is smooth and easy! The photos also become part of my Google Photos (formerly picassa) which allows me to organize and share photos more.
3. New and Easy to use. Google+ is surprisingly easy to use. I was a relative late comer to Facebook and missed the excitement of Facebook as a growing presence. I am enjoying being on the leading edge of Google+ and the enthusiasm that comes with learning and exploring.
How about you? Are you on Google+? What features do you like?
I am growing my Circle of EMS Professionals on Google+ so please connect with me there.
And yes, if we haven’t connected on Facebook or LinkedIn you are still welcome to connect with me there.
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