Google+ is like the social network you never knew you wanted, and it's getting high praise. One of the biggest reasons to be interested in Google+ (even if you're like me and feel dragged into social networking) is the awesome Google+ Android app.
The app keeps you up to date with your network contact's updates ("streams") and also lets you manage your profile and circles. It works fairly well in this regard. Clicking the "Stream" button will show you updates from people in your circles; you can add your own update or take/upload a photo from that screen as well. Clicking Circles shows you your lists of extended network contacts and their published contact information, and you can search for/add additional people.
One of the best features of the app, though, is Instant Upload, which automatically uploads your photos and videos as you take them to Google+. Photos and videos you take from your phone are automatically uploaded and are visible only to you until you share them. If you've ever had issues trying to share photos on Facebook from your mobile, you can see how this is a big deal.
Another interesting feature on the Android app is the Huddle "super-fast group messaging" for your circles. Apparently you can send short messages, SMS-like, to your circles or invite individual people to join the group messages. Google's Disco group texting service is like this, but it doesn't work with Huddle, which is a bit odd. I didn't have anyone to test the Huddle service with, but imagine when Google+ takes off lots of people will be huddling together.
Extending the new social platform to mobile is obviously very important if Google wants to make this a success. After all, most of Facebook's traffic comes from mobile. It looks like Facebook really may have something to worry about.
If you were able to get a Google+ invite, let us know what you think of either the service or the Android app.
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