CircleCount helps you better understand Google+

2013-05-22 08:03:45 (3 comments, 1 reshares, 13 +1s)

I like your review of what is now for Google+ Communities (GPC)... however, I'm not seeing that prominent place for the creator in my GPCs... looks like it is only for the GPCs that are created by a Page (not a profile created GPC).

You can look at 2 of mine "GooTubePlus" or "HangoutHelpers" ...both are created by a profile and neither have that nice option to follow or the prominent placement of a 'created by' section.

I find, as a hangouts lover, I miss the GPC Hangouts options... But have learned that I can hold a Hangout with the GPC if I use the "Hangout Party" start area which seems to be the only place that allows me to invite the GPC as a circle... besides the Hangouts on Air invite window.

We still seem to have the issue of all the notifications per category disappearing when you click on any one of the categories, and Is... more »

2013-05-21 20:42:02 (10 comments, 32 reshares, 36 +1s)

Start a New Hangout Video Call (HVC) via a special link

Tip from the master: +chee chew... if you want to start a new HVC you can do so by using this special link: https://plus.google.com/hangouts/_

It only seems to work if you open a new window or tab, then use the link there... otherwise you end up on the new Google+ HOA Page. Chee mentioned this here: http://goo.gl/KjWiX

What I see it useful for is the ability (which we currently don't seem to have) of ending up inside a HVC without inviting anyone. Some people may like to be inside the HVC interface just to poke around without inviting anyone. Note: You can get a similar result by inviting just yourself.

* And No, this method does not let you prep and then invite the Public circle since it acts like you have already sent out an invite once you are on the inside of the HVC. The Public circlec... more »

2013-05-20 23:05:48 (9 comments, 21 reshares, 42 +1s)

YouTube Creators Academy is piloting a free online course to help you build awesome experiences for your fans so they'll come back for more! Join other creators just like you in our first open online course, Maximize Your Channel!

The course will dive into the different parts of the new YouTube One Channel, explain how each can help you attract more subscribers and viewers, and give you the opportunity to freshen up your own channel while you learn. #YTCA

2013-05-20 18:20:35 (10 comments, 1 reshares, 14 +1s)

Bring it on! ...
A new #GooglePlus  app version for #Android  has been released and it brings many of the features announced for desktop at I/O last week.

All that automatic stuff that G+ now does to our #photograph  s, like auto-enhance and such, now comes to the Android app too. It also includes some #Snapseed  features, which I welcome very much since my phone is Snapseed incompatible.

There is more, though. Latitude, related hashtags, integration of the new #Hangouts  app, etc. etc. Find out in the article.

Greez,
+Jens Graikowski 

*************************************************
#jggplus

The following of my "Targeted Circles" have been notified of this post:

▸ Google
▸ Android and Motorola Atrix 4G

If you'd like to be notified about these kind of poststoo, pleas... more »

2013-05-20 14:45:28 (41 comments, 7 reshares, 29 +1s)

New Google Plus Hangouts Sidebar
Examples of what goes on there

Here are a few ideas on how to use the Hangouts Sidebar that just got introduced to our Google Plus interface on May 15, 2013. You open up the Hangout Sidebar by clicking on the Green Quote logo which now represents Google+ Hangouts.

Hangouts can be video calls or messages. The top item says New Hangout... press that to start a new session. Add the people with which you care to 'hangout' and then select if you want to start with a Video Call or a Message.

Below that we have an Active Hangout Video Call... note the green camera icon. If you press that, you will join into an active video call that has multiple people already participating according to the 4 profile pics. I clicked it and found that it was a HOA video call, and decided I did not want to enter at that... more »

2013-05-19 18:30:22 (9 comments, 20 reshares, 36 +1s)

A New Way to Post a Hangout Video Call (HVC)...
Step by Step... Hangout Video Calls in the New Google Plus 3.0

Here is one way to create an inviting HVC (Hangout Video Call) inside the updated Google Plus.

As of May 15, 2013, we now have new ways to create our Hangouts. The old name for our the video chats has changed, so I'm starting to call them HVCs instead of what used to be known as "hangouts" (not the HOA type).

Check out this technique for setting up a HVC that is more inviting because it has a nice Image for others to see when they may be deciding if they want to enter or not. Great for Branding your HVC (video calls).

If you want more help with your Hangouts, check out my services at www.TheHangoutHelper.com/Services
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#HVCtips   #HangoutTips   #GooglePlusTips   #GooglePlusUpdate   #TheHangoutHelper  

2013-05-19 15:47:09 (7 comments, 9 reshares, 21 +1s)

Google Plus Hangouts (the video kind) API session
Mainly for Developers, but interesting for Hangout Lovers too!

Even if you are not a developer but you love Google Plus Hangouts or HOA, you may want to watch this 40 minute video. I'll include a clickable TOC to make it easy to jump around. h/t: +T. Taylor for the find. Thanks for the info +Jonathan Beri & +Richard Dunn 

Presented at GoogleI/O 2013
0:00 → Introduction to the session
2:59 → Why Build Hangout Apps
4:11 → History of Hangout Apps (great samples to see the changes)
8:20 → Nerd time: 5 programming principals
11:09 → The Future of the Hangout API
13:24 → Release Channels: Ability to release API stuff faster; Stable/Playground
16:05 → Private Apps in Regular Hangouts; Easier Beta testing
20:44 → New APIs announced; Public / StableAuto-load capability ... more »

2013-05-19 15:03:58 (8 comments, 6 reshares, 24 +1s)

Yes, you're on G+ but do you have all of your Google Accounts connected properly to take advantage of everything G+ offers? Free webinar to help you do it, with my special guest +Ronnie Bincer who helped me.

2013-05-19 11:47:57 (8 comments, 110 reshares, 76 +1s)

Anatomy of a Google Plus Post - updated for Google+ 3.0
Google PlusTips & Google Plus Basics

Important Interactive Elements of a Google Plus Post
With the update of the Google Plus design on May 15, 2013 we have quite a few changes. To help you understand some of them, I offer a visual guide to the clickable parts of a New Google Plus Post.

All the referenced or highlighted areas are clickable, including the Poster's name and profile picture. The Options Menu (expanded on the right) will show different options if you are a viewer or the author of the post.

This post was found inside a Google Plus Community (GPC) and was captured that way to show some of the additional areas possible on a post. It was originally created out on my Profile's stream, and then reshared into a GPC called "Hangouts on Air".

The Greensy... more »

2013-05-18 04:57:51 (15 comments, 8 reshares, 35 +1s)

New Thumbnails for Live Hangouts on Air!

Just noticed new Thumbnails in the stream for our HOA shows! In the not too distant past we had generic thumbnails in the Google Plus Stream (They were Grey/Black with the words Hangouts on Air).

Now we can actually see some of the content of the live show via a thumbnail... Halleluja!

Here is the link to that show from which I grabbed the screenshot below:
https://plus.google.com/u/0/102898672602346817738/posts/jCLot4KnwnY
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#HOAtips   #TheHangoutHelper   #GooglePlusTips  

2013-05-18 02:55:58 (13 comments, 4 reshares, 32 +1s)

Is this the new HOA Interactive model?

I'm a fan of running HOA shows (Hangouts on Air) packaged inside Google+ Events. +Dan McDermott is running his show this evening and has invited a group of folks to participate in new ways via the new Hangouts Interface shown below.

The HOA is streaming live, if you are on the 'guest list' you can jump into the live HOA video call any time there is an open spot in the HOA's filmstrip via the Green Bar shown here, and add your text comments amongst the 'show guests' at any time as well.

I think the Events' model still is a good one because people (that may not be guests on the 'inside' guest list) can interact and re-visit the show (before, live or after) but this may work well for an "insider's group" as well.

What do you think?
Don't forget the/... more »

2013-05-17 22:23:32 (40 comments, 49 reshares, 55 +1s)

Starting Hangouts on Air with the New Google Plus
HOA Tips

Watch this short video to see how you start HOA (Hangouts on Air) now after the New Google Plus 3.0 has been released.

Things have changed!
HOA and regular Hangouts (video calls) are now separated to their own areas... you don't just check a box now to start one vs. the other.

Helpful tips from The Hangout Helper!
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#HOAtips   #HangoutsOnAirTips   #GooglePlusTips   #TheHangoutHelper

2013-05-17 13:06:42 (14 comments, 14 reshares, 60 +1s)

Gmail and Google Calendar Automagical Activity!

Maybe this has been around for a bit, maybe not, but it is Awesome! +MaAnna Stephenson sent me an email about a webinar she is doing... I read the email inside Gmail, that email had a date and time in the text: Wed May 22 at 12:00 noon EDT

Gmail turned that text into a Link, and when I clicked on it, it popped up what you see below. It let me see that time Translated to my local timezone  as well as showed me my other appointments in my Google Calendar... PLUS it let me add an entry to my calendar without ever leaving Gmail.

That's what I call Automagical Stuff!
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#GmailTips   #GoogleCalendar   #Gmail  

2013-05-17 05:29:18 (16 comments, 10 reshares, 27 +1s)

New Hangout Tips... Click to see who is in the Hangout

When you start a Hangout (upper right) you can start things out as a Message or a Video Call or Both.

This one shows the message chat going on, and if you click (No. 1) on the person icon, the one with a 2 next to it for the number of folks in the 'hangout', you can see who is involved in the 'Hangout' as shown below (No. 2).

Since I was in the Video Call waiting on +Stephanie Calahan to join me, you can see my thumbnail image (on the right) and my icon in the Green Bar that states "You are in this video call".

BTW, when you check to see who is inside the Hangout (No. 2), the bottom shows a Cancel or Add people button... this lets you add more people to the hangout message area (maybe to the video call too?).. Cancel means bring me back to the No. 1 view.more »

2013-05-17 05:14:32 (15 comments, 8 reshares, 29 +1s)

What's a Hangout: Started with the Message... turned into a Video Call

The New Google Plus Terminology has some of us old timers wondering what happened! So here is a tip on what Hangouts can do now (as it relates to the old way).

This screen shot shows myself and +Paul Simbeck-Hampson in a quick meeting... It started out via a Hangout Message and then we decided to ramp it up a bit and continue it inside a Hangout Video Call... what most of us have been calling a "hangout".

I've noticed that if I leave the Video Call (on purpose or by accident) that I can click on the Green Bar up top of the Hangout Window and get back in (looks and feels like Chat)... not the Video Call window, but the "Hangout" Window!

Yes... this will take some time to get used to!
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#HangoutTips   #GooglePlusTips  #Vi... more »

2013-05-17 05:50:07 (16 comments, 8 reshares, 37 +1s)

New Posting Tips: HashTag Focus
The New Google Plus treats #Hashtags  differently

Google Plus now displays the first 3 hashtags you used in a post as Related Hashtags - they show in the upper right of the post. Click on one of them and the post Flips Around  and then shows you other posts that use that same hashtag.

You can scroll through the list of related posts if you like... great way to discover other related postings.

So...
If you use more than 3 of them in your postings, you might want to use the most important ones first as they are the only ones displayed.

I have not tested this enough to see but I'd assume the others you might use in your post could help your post get 'found' as a related post even if they are not one of the first 3 you use... maybe +Google+ Help can confirm if all theha... more »

2013-05-16 15:43:18 (9 comments, 15 reshares, 30 +1s)

How to Share Photos & Photo Albums in the new Google Plus
Here is a short explainer video on how you can share photos on Google Plus.

Learn more here: http://www.google.com/+/learnmore/photos
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#Photos   #GooglePlusBasics   #GooglePlusTips  

2013-05-16 07:00:10 (15 comments, 17 reshares, 39 +1s)

Google Plus Event Graphics require a new size now...
Events Tips
The Event Themes (aka graphics) are now using a new size: 1200 x 300. This means that any custom ones you may have made will need to be resized or recreated.

I have a lot of them I made for Private Hangout meetings that take place inside Events. Since they all need to be 'fixed'. I guess I'll do a couple for now and fix the rest later.

I tried making some animated GIFs to see if I could make lemonade out of lemons but alas I could not make them work. If you figure out how to make your own animated Event Theme/Graphics, please let me know!
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#EventsTips    #GooglePlusTips   #EventTheme  

2013-05-16 03:24:36 (25 comments, 19 reshares, 44 +1s)

What's a Hangout Now?

Hangouts can be either text (message) or video (video call). In the past we thought of Hangouts as video chats, now we may want to start calling the video ones: video calls... as that is what Google Plus has named them.

How are you doing with the Mind shift.. doing OK?
BTW, you start a Hangout on Air (HOA) from the left sidebar/ribbon now. It has its own Page from which you start them.
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#HOAtips   #HangoutTips   #GooglePlusTips   #GooglePlusBasics  

2013-05-16 03:17:42 (0 comments, 2 reshares, 13 +1s)

New interface 'bonuses'... flip for details and look what you find

This was a private hangout I had. When I clicked on the Shared Privately link to see the sharing details I also get to see 'random' expressions encouraging me to share, etc.
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#GooglePlusTips   #GooglePlusBasics   #Updates  

2013-05-16 02:00:26 (12 comments, 7 reshares, 10 +1s)

Want the shiny NEW Google Hangout App for your device right now? Here are the links you need: 

iOS - http://goo.gl/h3glR 
Android - http://goo.gl/g61QW 
Chrome App - http://goo.gl/cr3XE

2013-05-15 22:08:19 (43 comments, 7 reshares, 31 +1s)

YouTube Live Events - Live Stream - YouTube Live

If your account is in good standing and you have more than 1,000 subscribers, you can apply for YouTube Live Events via your Channel's Features page.

Info about YouTube Live can be found here:
https://support.google.com/youtube/bin/answer.py?hl=en&answer=2474026

The announcement post on this roll out can be found here: http://goo.gl/GJQV0

Once things calm down a bit, I'll try to fill you in on what is different between HOA (Hangouts on Air) and YouTube Live.
- - - 
#YouTubeTips   #HOAtips   #GooTubePlus   #Live   #LiveEvents   #YouTubeLive  

2013-05-15 21:46:02 (0 comments, 2 reshares, 2 +1s)

Enhancements to the Hangouts API

Since the launch of Google+ Hangouts API last year, we have seen many developers bring the value of real-time communications to their apps. Today, we are announcing a few more enhancements that allow us innovate faster and enable you to build great apps. 

Let’s take a look at what’s new:
New Release Process
We are adopting a Chrome-like channel system for our platform releases.  We’ll have two channels:

Stable Channel: a single Javascript include gives you the latest and greatest APIs as they are finalized.  We will do smaller, more frequent releases in a backwards-compatible manner.

Developer Channel: a playground for you to try out the earliest versions of new APIs and new features. Things will be changing rapidly here, so we’ll limit it to private apps, but you’ll be able to preview andinfluence th... more »

2013-05-15 21:03:19 (1 comments, 3 reshares, 17 +1s)

Info from the Hangouts Chrome Extension...
Chat for Google extension is now Hangouts

Hangouts bring conversations to life with photos, emoji, and even group video calls for free.

Google+ Hangouts brings one-on-one and group conversations to life with photos, emoji, and video calls for free. Connect with friends across computers, Android and Apple devices. 

-- Group conversations are better than ever. Send photos or emoji, see when people are engaged in the Hangout and message friends anytime, even if they're not connected right now.

-- Video calls make Hangouts more fun. Turn any conversation into a video call with up to 10 friends.

-- All your friends can use Hangouts. Hangouts works on computers, Android and Apple devices, so you can connect with everyone.

More Hangouts awesomeness:
-- Use Hangouts as you move from tab... more »

2013-05-19 12:21:30 (12 comments, 16 reshares, 28 +1s)

Some of the New Google Plus parts via explainer videos...

I just shared a bunch of explainer videos for brand new folks that show off some of the new look of Google Plus... http://goo.gl/yaDUF

But below are some UPDATE Videos for those that have been around a bit... these focus on the newest changes.

► Meet the new Google+: A stream with style and smarts
► Google+: Related Hashtags
► Hangouts: Conversations that last, with the people you love
► Google+ Photos: Great photos, in less time

All these videos come from this post: http://goo.gl/Aiopi
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#GooglePlusTips   #GooglePlusUpdate   #NewGooglePlus   #GooglePlus  

2013-05-15 19:54:19 (0 comments, 4 reshares, 15 +1s)

Live Streaming from YouTube being offered to more of us!

As if there is not enough new stuff coming out to us from Google Plus today, now we also get an announcement from YouTube re. new live streaming possibilities.
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#YouTubeTips   #YouTubeLiveStream   #LiveVideo  

2013-05-15 19:42:10 (20 comments, 92 reshares, 62 +1s)

A collection of explainer videos about the new Google Plus
Google PlusBasics
► Google+: How to get started
► Google+: Find people you know
► Google+: Set Up Your Profile
► Google+: Reading and responding
► Google+: About circles
► Google+: Sharing
► Google+ Photos: Great photos, in less time
► Google+ Communities: A place for whatever you're into
► Google+ pages
► Google+: Fun with Hangouts
► Google+ Events: Introducing a new way to get together
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#GooglePlusTips   #GooglePlus   #GooglePlusBasics   #HowTo  

2013-05-15 19:24:59 (1 comments, 6 reshares, 16 +1s)

New Google Plus - Basics about Interacting on Google Plus
Plus 1'ing
Commenting
Resharing
Related Hashtags

2013-05-15 19:23:02 (0 comments, 6 reshares, 11 +1s)

New Google Plus - Basics about Circles, building & understanding

2013-05-15 19:21:53 (0 comments, 7 reshares, 13 +1s)

New Google Plus - Basics about Sharing on Google Plus

2013-05-15 19:20:03 (4 comments, 3 reshares, 15 +1s)

New Google Plus - Photos and the new online awesomeness

2013-05-15 19:18:58 (1 comments, 5 reshares, 7 +1s)

New Google Plus - GPC - Google Plus Communities

2013-05-15 19:18:03 (0 comments, 12 reshares, 13 +1s)

New Google Plus - How G+ Pages work for Business

2013-05-15 19:16:46 (1 comments, 4 reshares, 8 +1s)

New Google Plus - setting up your Profile

2013-05-15 19:15:08 (1 comments, 6 reshares, 13 +1s)

New Google Plus ... getting into Hangouts

Google still likes Pirates! Arrrgh!

2013-05-15 19:13:01 (0 comments, 6 reshares, 11 +1s)

New Google Plus ... the Events Tool

2013-05-15 19:12:00 (10 comments, 5 reshares, 13 +1s)

New Google Plus ... how to get started

2013-05-15 19:11:21 (1 comments, 5 reshares, 6 +1s)

New Google Plus ... how to find people

2013-05-15 19:02:22 (5 comments, 14 reshares, 22 +1s)

Introduction to the New Google Plus from Google I/O 2013

I grabbed this 25 minute video off of the live stream from Google I/O
+Vic Gundotra lays out the overview of the brand new version of Google Plus rolling out now May 15, 2013.
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#GooglePlusUpdate   #GooglePlusTips   #GoogleIO2013  

2013-05-15 18:58:02 (7 comments, 0 reshares, 3 +1s)

Go to www.maps.google.com/preview or: http://maps.google.com/help/maps/helloworld/desktop/preview/

To see the future of Google Maps... real time awesomeness.
Sign up now you'll get an invite go join soon.

2013-05-15 18:18:24 (5 comments, 14 reshares, 24 +1s)

The New Google Plus - on its way to you now!

Summary post with explainer videos included. Thanks +Vic Gundotra 
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#GooglePlusTips   #GooglePlus   #Update2013   #Updates  

2013-05-15 18:09:32 (8 comments, 2 reshares, 13 +1s)

OK Google... no hands - no typing (not just for mobile)

This is how we will start search in the future. Using Chrome and Chrome OS

"OK Google, show me pictures of ..."
"OK Google, find a pizza place near me..."

2013-05-15 17:56:14 (0 comments, 1 reshares, 11 +1s)

New photo tool/experience on Google Plus

Also introducing Auto Awesome... adding motion to our still pics

2013-05-15 17:43:33 (2 comments, 4 reshares, 13 +1s)

New Hangouts for Google Plus

2013-05-15 17:37:13 (2 comments, 1 reshares, 9 +1s)

New Google Plus on the way... Today

2013-05-15 15:57:27 (10 comments, 9 reshares, 42 +1s)

Opening Keynote session Google I/O2013 starts in a couple minutes (or is live now)
#GoogleIO2013  

2013-05-15 14:41:45 (3 comments, 3 reshares, 11 +1s)

Here is a link to the Live Streaming of Google I/O 2013

This is for developers to get an idea of the direction that Google is taking for the next year or so... you may find it interesting to watch some of the action even if you are not a developer. #GoogleIO2013  

2013-05-15 08:33:04 (4 comments, 7 reshares, 32 +1s)

Choosing Settings from the Bottom of the YouTube page...

We can change our Language settings, What Country we want to 'view content from', Adjust Safety Mode: 'to avoid videos that may contain inappropriate content'... and access Help popup menus.

I changed the language settings and All the YouTube menus adjusted to show me menus in the new language selected.

Maybe these are not new, maybe they are... thanks to +matthew rappaport for asking me if they were... Regardless, these are some nice settings we can adjust.
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#YouTubeTips  

2013-05-15 08:01:25 (5 comments, 5 reshares, 24 +1s)

New Things to look at on Google Plus...

I'm guessing that some new things will be rolling out since #GoogleIO2013  is just about to start... Here are a couple of items discovered this evening while hanging out with +matthew rappaport 

In the Google Plus Settings...
We saw that there is a Hangouts area now. It has the ability to send me an email when someone Invites me to a video call.

In Google Chat...
Once I get invited to a Hangout it says: I've invited you to a video call at... {link to Join the hangout}.

Both of these are using some new wording from what we can tell: Video Call. The email me option is new from what I can tell and the wording has changed (i.e. calling hangouts a video call )...

Bonus: Matt & I stumbled upon another new thing... we think.
When he and Ibo... more »