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Talkcast tonight: Splicing in a G+ Hangout with our bare hands
As fond as we are of Talkshoe round here, there are some challenges and limitations on the podcast platform. Listeners know we're casting about for some new solutions that will keep the fun and spontaneity of the Talkcast we know and love, while improving audio quality and reliability. Tonight, as we look ahead to Macworld | iWorld and Apple's upcoming earnings report, we're going to try something new. We'll be simulcasting the Talkcast as a Google+ Hangout, and hopefully also streaming it to our YouTube channel. There's a cap of 10 participants in the Hangout itself, but you'll be able to comment and contribute on the G+ page during the show as well as in the usual Talkshoe chat. It's a grand experiment, so bear with us if things go sideways -- that is, when things go sideways. I plan to start the Hangout at 9:30pm and get it solidified before we begin the regular audio side of things at 10pm ET. We may run into some audio looping issues, so if I have to mute the G+ side we'll do that and connect it in by phone. In any case, it's bound to be interesting; hope we'll hear and see you there. To participate live during the show (other than on the G+ side), you can use the browser-only Talkshoe client, the embedded Facebook app, or download the classic TalkShoe Pro Java client; however, the best way to have your voice heard is to call in. For the web UI, just click the Talkshoe Web button on our profile page at 4 HI/7 PDT/10 pm EDT Sunday. To call in on regular phone or VoIP lines (viva free weekend minutes!): dial (724) 444-7444 and enter our talkcast ID, 45077 -- during the call, you can request to talk by keying in *8. If you've got a headset or microphone handy on your Mac, you can connect via the free X-Lite or other SIP clients (aside from Skype or Google Voice), basic instructions are here. Talk to you tonight!
Google+ iOS app now available in 48 more countries and territories
If Google+ wants any chance of beating the social media juggernaut that is Facebook -- especially after the latter's latest efforts in the search arena -- it needs to reach a far wider audience than it does now. The Mountain View company has just made a small but significant step in that direction with the availability of its G+ iOS app to 48 more countries and territories, according to a G+ post by engineer Frank Petterson. The countries listed -- Bermuda, Cambodia, Malawi and Nepal, just to name a few -- aren't necessarily known for their large populations, but we're sure Google will accept anything that'll help Larry Page make his case against Zuckerberg and crew. To find out which new areas will let you download that G+ app from the App Store, check out the source below.
Google+ Hangouts On Air go full-screen, put hosts front and center
Even with tweaks for musicians, Google+ Hangouts On Air have had sub-par layouts for presentations and performances; one-way stream from a band or teacher crops the view to a smaller size. As of a quick update to the social network, common sense prevails. One-way performances now default to occupying the full available view; multi-participant chats can go a similar route by using the Cameraman app to push all but the primary speaker to the background. It's a simple change, but one that could make a big difference for those who just want to lean back and watch.
Google+ Pages gain interaction with those beyond their circles, will get analytics soon
Many running Google+ Pages for their companies have likely been frustrated by the lack of interaction with some of their fans -- if visitors haven't already put the brand in a circle, they've been off-limits regardless of their interest. A quiet change may have just opened the floodgates. Pages can now share, comment on and +1 posts from those who weren't already followers. Google hasn't made the change official, but it is promising a feature that's ultimately complementary: Pages should get their own analytics for demographics and social activity in the "coming weeks," giving owners an idea as to who they're attracting. While we hope that the loosened restrictions don't lead to unwanted conversations in our feeds, they're undoubtedly valuable to companies that just want to share good news or offer a helping hand.
Google+ update offers seasonal cheer through 18 new features: improves mobile apps, hangouts and events (updated)
If Google+ communities didn't fix those social network blues you've been feeling recently, perhaps a bumper edition of new features will. When the mobile app update goes live later today, you'll be able to edit your profile through it as well being updated on what's happening through new content notifiers. Subscription options will also expand to include Google+ Communities. Google will now give full-sized image back-ups when uploaded (up to 5GB are yours for free), while any Android Jelly Bean users will be able to share their photospheres directly from the phone app. Support for gifs is also included, as well as birthday reminders in Google Now and a new lock screen widget. Hangouts has been put on a data diet, and Google+ Vice President of Engineering, Dave Besbris reckons it should now offer a smoother experience even on low bandwidth connections -- you'll now need only 150KB to connect to Hangouts on this new setting. Only hanging out with yourself? Well the new interface won't show that depressing strip of black and will instead fill the screen with your own video. In Events, you'll be able to send messages to individual guests, harass them check that they've read the invite and even invite more party-goers by inserting the event URL into emails or instant messages. It's also now easier to replicate your previous events and have Google fill in the rest of the details. You can expect the Android app update to hit your device later today, but until then, visit the source for Google's full explanation. Update: Looks like iOS users will be getting a little more Google love this week. They'll also be getting a Google+ app update with community functionality and new conversation cards for shared content. Again, the refreshed version is set to arrive later today
Shazam for iOS gets a new UI, shares our lack of music knowledge with Google+
Some Shazam users run the app to discover new music; for us, it's an all-too-frequent admission that we're out of touch with the kids' music these days. We can at least take comfort in the 5.5 update for iOS giving us a friendlier interface for catching up on our culture. Along with a new listening screen that reacts to the tunes, there's bigger album artwork as well as automatic resubmissions if the connection gets sketchy. Those of us unafraid to reveal our tastes in music can also share to Google+, and listeners with visual impairments now just have to double-tap to start sampling tracks whenever VoiceOver is turned on. We have yet to see a matching Android update, but any iPhone or iPod touch owner who can live with a little musical humility can hit the source for the new release.
Google+ makes you feel at home with Communities, 'a place for whatever you're into'
Google's social service has provided a venue for chatting and collaborating with family and friends, but it hasn't exactly been the best place to get to know strangers who happen to share similar interests. That seems to be the idea behind Communities -- think of it as Facebook Groups, but within the Google ecosystem. Google+ Communities can be open to anyone on the network, but they can be private if you wish, so members have the opportunity to share photos, forum posts, and even add Hangouts and Events without worrying about that content being available to anyone and everyone on the web. The network's latest feature is set to roll out today, so keep an eye out for the Communities icon to hit your Google+ sidebar. You can also snag a sneak peek in the intro video just past the break.
Snapseed launches on Android with Google+ integration, now completely free
While this shouldn't come as a huge surprise, today Google put to rest any lingering doubts about keeping Snapseed alive and well. After acquiring Nik Software last September, Google's just launched Snapseed for Android and refreshed the existing iOS app. The Android version features seamless Google+ integration (complete with support for Instant Upload) and the iOS version gains a few additional filters. Better yet, the app is now completely free on both platforms (it was $4.99 in the App Store). If you're not familiar with Snapseed, it's an incredibly powerful yet easy-to-use photo editor based on Nik Software's award-winning professional-grade imaging tools. The app provides a super-intuitive gesture-based UI to capture, tweak, enhance and share pictures. As such, it's more advanced than Instagram, but far simpler than Photoshop Touch. It's available for phones, tablets, Macs and PCs (no word from Google on whether the desktop version was also updated the desktop version was not updated). We spent some time with Snapseed for Android yesterday and it looks and feels pretty much identical to the iOS version -- the user experience is just as polished and responsive. In the main screen, you'll find a new button which lets you post an image directly to Google+ via the same UI as the the Google+ app. There's a separate button to save pictures to the gallery (this also sends photos to Google+ if you've enabled Instant Upload in the Google+ app). Want more info? Peek at our IRL post and the galleries below. Update: If you have trouble installing this on your Nexus 7 (and other devices) directly, just visit the Play Store link below and install it from the web -- it works just fine.
Google launches VetNet, uses Google+ to link veterans with civilian jobs (video)
As eager as Google has been to help veterans find work in the civilian world, most of its work has been parallel to what's already going on. It's hoping to use its social networking skills from Google+ as the linchpin for a larger effort. Enter VetNet: the portal aggregates job-finding resources from Hire Heroes USA, Hiring Our Heroes and the Institute for Veterans and Military Families, using Google+ pages for program tracks that cover job hunting basics, career networking and entrepreneurial courses. Former soldiers will logically need to sign in, but they'll get access to video discussions through Hangouts, a Google Calendar for events and, naturally, a place to connect with fellow vets. The VetNet hub is already live; if transitioning to work outside the armed forces feels like too much of a solitary pursuit so far, the service could be a prime opportunity.
Google's Play Store website now links reviews to your Google+ account
YouTube asks nicely if you would like to post comments using your Google+ name, and now a similar change has quietly made it to the Play Store. When we say similar, we mean in this case, you're forced into revealing your true identity from now on -- at least when you're accessing Google's virtual marketplace from a browser. We'd guess that linking ratings and reviews to your account ties in with the enhanced Google+ integration recently added to the app, and will serve to provide better download recommendations based on your profile and friends. The requirement, however, has not yet been implemented in the app, so if you've been meaning to leave a few damning reviews, this loophole is your last chance to do so anonymously.
Latest Google Play APK suggests pre-orders in the works, app reviews may require Google+
If you're down for a round of crystal ball gazing into the future of Google Play, then you'd best thank Android Police, which recently tore apart the latest APK in attempt to learn what new features might be on deck. Most curiously, the mobile app suggests that pre-order functionality may work its way into Google Play, and while there's nothing definitive about how it might be implemented, it goes without saying that the feature would make more sense for hardware rather than software. Not to stop there, it also appears that developers are working to integrate the app review system with Google+. As is, it seems that you may be required to be a Google+ member in order to review apps, and your name and picture will be publicly tied to these reviews. To learn more about these features and other potential new additions, be sure to hit up the source link below.
Google+ auto-embeds Android app install links to spur curious downloaders
Next to an in-person demo, social networking is arguably the most common way to learn about apps through unofficial sources. It's only natural, then, that Google streamline the whole process of sharing Android apps in Google+. Include a link to a release in the Google Play Store with a Google+ post and the page now generates a clickable title card that installs the app right after choosing a target device. While the gesture doesn't extend to +1 votes, it's more than enough to give Android fans an easy and trustworthy way of spreading love for a favorite app. Or, at least, some shameless self-promotion.
Google Free Zone comes to the Philippines: access Google+, Gmail and Google Search without charge
Luckily for some, Google has thing for dishing out free internet, which is probably why it's teamed up with Filipino carrier Globe to test out complimentary access to its services. Available now, Free Zone allows any internet-enabled phone to access Gmail, Google+ or Google Search without even having a data plan. Intended mainly for feature phones, you can even load up pages from those search results without paying a dime -- or should we say, peso. There's no usage cap, but clicking through to subsequent pages, accessing Gmail attachments, or opening links from within Google+ will incur charges, but you'll be prompted to accept them or sign up for a plan before that happens. The Philippines is the first market to try out Free Zone, but the wider scheme is "aimed at the next billion users of the internet, many of whom will be in emerging markets." Yeah, the catch is that you'll be exposed to some advertising while you're using it -- but there's no such thing as a free search, right? Update: Actually, there is such a thing as a free search. Google has been in touch to let us know that "Free Zone doesn't serve any ads." Bonus!
Google research pane for Docs adds personal content, integration with Presentation and Drawing
Building off of the web search capabilities of its research pane for Docs, Google is now giving users the ability to search for and insert their own personal content. For example, if you're working on a presentation in Drive and want to add a photo from your Picasa album, or a quote from a friend's Google+ profile, you'll now have the option of adding personal content from within the research pane without leaving your project. This new search feature pulls information from your personal Picasa albums, Drive and Google+ accounts, and users will also find that the research pane has been extended to Presentation and Drawings. Unfortunately, Google Apps customers will still be limited to web-only search results, as personal content search is intended for individual accounts. However, if you're a starving student heavily embedded in Google's ecosystem, this time saver just might shave a few minutes off of your weekend cram session and that's always a good thing.
Vic Gundotra posts Nexus 10 photos to Google +
If anyone is going to get their hands on new Nexus hardware first, it's going to be Google top-brass. So when photos from Senior Vice President of Engineering, Vic Gundotra, show up on his Google + with "Nexus 10" in the details, we pay attention. The pictures show some idyllic scenes from the beach, but what we're all interested in is the EXIF data. So, 2,046 by 1,536 you say? That's 3-megapixel by our calculations, which may not be the true original resolution of the image of course. With a big Google event just around the corner, though, we imagine we won't have to wait long to find out more.
Switched On: Android's tablet troubles
Each week Ross Rubin contributes Switched On, a column about consumer technology. If Google had to pick a device category in which it wanted Android to dominate, it would certainly be mobile phones for many reasons. Indeed, the original band of Android backers was dubbed the Open Handset Alliance. However, a strong position in tablets would not only have helped to round out the Android ecosystem, it would also have created a beachhead from which to take on Microsoft prior to the launch of its tablet strategy. Alas for Google, sales of Android tablets have been lackluster and several PC-centric licensees -- including Acer, Dell, Lenovo, Sony, Toshiba and even Android standard-bearer Samsung -- are hoping to improve their standing in the tablet market with imminent products based on Windows.
Google+ app updates bring iPhone 5 support, new widget on Android and more
Google's social networking efforts are getting a boost with new versions of its Google+ apps for Android and iOS alike. While both platforms are now sporting the ability for managers of pages to post and comment on items on the go (expect quicker "We're at CES 2013" check-ins on the Engadget G+ page) there are some individual changes for each. For Android there's a redesigned home screen widget, one-click access to photos in posts and a new 'Find People' function. Meanwhile on Apple hardware it gains iOS 6 / iPhone 5 support, as well as the ability to edit posts, save photos to the camera roll and search for people and posts on the iPad. We tried out the page management feature which is nice to have, but appears to only be accessible by actually signing out and signing back in again. Hit the links below to grab the updated apps at their respective stores and give them a try.
BBC announces YouTube original content channels for science, nature
Hot on the heels of YouTube's launch of 60 new original content channels, the BBC has announced that it will be partnering with Google's video service to present two of those. The UK broadcaster said it will introduce a nature channel, with content coming from its BBC Earth Productions unit, and a science channel featuring Top Gear presenter James May "and his crack team of scientists." The new portals will come online in 2013, and "Auntie Beeb" has also redesigned its six current YouTube stations and added new clips from Top Gear (season 18) and other original programs, too. All that comes along at the same time as the refreshed iPlayer -- another way the company's been creative with technology, lately.
YouTube advances cash for 60 more original channels in Europe and the US
Google pulls in nearly $2 billion a year in YouTube advertising revenue, but that's still a drop in the bucket compared to the $60 billion earned by broadcast networks. To rely less on viral cat videos or "Gangnam Style" breakouts, the company has announced that it's advanced funds to content producers like Jamie Oliver and Michael Cera to create 60 new original channels in France, the UK, Germany and the US. That's in addition to the 100 channels it already created last year, and Mountain View also said it would take that original launch up a notch in 2013 by providing even more funds to the most successful efforts by artists like Jay Z and Amy Poehler. The company didn't say exactly how much cash would be raining down to all those channels stateside or abroad, but considering the amount it recently spent just marketing them, you may want to pull the trigger on that new cinema camera, after all.
Vic Gundotra post hints Snapseed for Android may be close, bring Google+ integration
When Google bought Nik Software, there was some worry that Snapseed would go the proverbial dodo's route and fade into obscurity as part of a larger Google app. We won't see that ignominious end anytime soon if Senior Engineering VP Vic Gundotra's photography is as valid a clue as it looks. On an evening flight to Baltimore, Gundotra posted a view of the setting sun to Google+ using Snapseed -- a rather unique achievement given that the existing, iOS-only app doesn't know the social network exists. Knowing the executive's usual choice of smartphone, the public use could be the hint of the already planned Android port getting close to launch, even if there's no way to know exactly when and how the image editing app could arrive. Let's hope that Gundotra's post is more than just a fleeting glimpse of a product that gets shelved later on.
