New Google+ Android App Adds Vivid Imagery & Additional Functionality

Earlier this month, Google+ was re-tuned for the iPhone.  Now it’s Android’s turn.  The newest version of Google+ for Android features a bigger, richer style and new highly requested features from users.  Version 2.6 can be downloaded from Google Play and comes equipped with the following improvements.

Bigger Images

Now Google+ posts highlight the media included in the post with a subtle textual overlay of content on top:

This does seem to slow the app down a bit while the bigger images have to load.  Any post without media simply defaults to black text on a white backround.

Navigation System

A new navigation system will help keep actions consistent across the app.  The new navigation will slide in and out, allow for instant photo downloading (and turning into wallpaper) and editing posts inline:

Start Hangouts

Lastly, one nagging issue with Hangouts for mobile has been fixed.  With previous iterations of the app, users could join Hangouts with others but never start a new hangout via the app.  This has been fixed and now mobile users can start the conversation as well:

For more information see the official Google announcement.