Google + Redesign

I love Google +. At first I wasn't sure what to think of it because I was slightly confused on how to use it but now that I figured it out I love the new concept. I love the Hangout features they come in handy quite often. Calling it a "Social Spine" to me would mean that it is the backbone of the social meadia realm. It is helping to keep social media growing and it is helping to invent new creative ideas and interactions to engage people and keep them coming back for more. To me it means they are on the cutting edge of new technology and new insight into social media!

Larry Page's comment about Google+ as a "social spine" is one of the key things I think most people miss or misintepret about the social network.

The point of Google+ isn't just to replicate Facebook or Twitter with Google branding -- it's to make all Google products more social and connected to your friends, and I think it's extremely useful for that.

I use the Google+ Google Chrome extension to +1 pages I visit or recommend across the web, and really like being able to see what pages my friends recommend or like when doing a normal Google search. It's especially useful for visiting a new city or place where a friend's recommendations come in very handy and mean more than the opinion of a reviewer you may not know. 

Google+'s mobile apps are also fantastic. The iOS app was updated a week or two ago and has the best news feed interface of any social network I've used (very image-heavy, really utilizes the iPhone retina display well) - and a new version was just released this week for Android.

Don't give up on Google+! 

"Social Media Spine" is definitely a term I have not heard before, and when analyzing it, I still don't know if I completely understand exactly what it's supposed to mean.  When I think of a spine, I think of structure, posture and poise.  Yes, Google+ has the structure, but as for the posture and poise, I don't think they're there yet.  

I just recently joined Google+ to expand my web presence and to check it out.  I know the site has been around for over a year, but because I just recently joined, I have not seen the design/set-up the site had from the start.  170 million users is a pretty large crowd, but I find it a little suspicious that, in the article "Larry Page: Google+ is the 'social spine' with 170 mm users..." by Frederic Lardinois, Larry Page refuses to give out numbers, and numbers are an important thing when trying to prove a success or a failure.

I don't want to say Google+ is a failure considering I had just started my account, but from what I've gathered over the past year from people who had an account from the start, no one really uses it.  Because Larry Page refuses to give out the numbers of how many active Google+ users there are in comparison to how many people signed up for an account makes me automatically assume that the numbers are embarrassingly low.  

I am eager to check out the new and improved design of Google+.  I hope Google+ proves me wrong and offers me an enriching experience in which I can make many connections, recommendations, "likes" or +1's or whatever it's called.

I recently made a google+ account for our first homework assignment. I was surprised to see that it was set up a lot like facebook. That was something I didn't like about the 'new changes'. If I wanted to be on facebook, I would log onto my own facebook, which now has new(er) applications that link with news, music, pictures, organizations, and more just like google+ does.

I believe google+ needs to keep the focus on the multiple chat. Skype does not have that feature [being able to video chat with multiple people at once] so that helps google+ stand out. The main issue is that not many of my friends/family are a part of google+ so there is never enough people online to use the video chat applications.

I also created a blog for this course through blogger, and my blog was automatically connected to my google+ account. This is something a really liked about google+. My friends/family/circle members could automatically see that I made a blog and they could click on the link to see it.

"A social spine" could be interpreted in a few ways A spine is connected up to the other bones in the spine, and google+ connects up with many social media outlets. A spine is also key to main body movements. Google+  allows users to move easily from one social outlet to another using links (and more). Users can move from site to site (and even other social media outlets) but they originated from the google+ body.

I am currently new to Google + and I like the way it is setup it does remind me a lot about face book. I do see a lot of similarities between the two sites. What I feel like Larry meant by the phrase “a social spine is that Google + is growing exceptionally fast with the new changes and Google + will be the main part that help balance and upholds the entire operating system. Google is so successful because of the many components and are connected and consistent. It is such a friendly and open site that allows you to do any and everything and I will continue to be a Google user.

I'm making it a goal to make better use of my Google+ account, and now that there is a new look with a cleaner interface and new features, I'm already being pulled in by the improvements. I'm definitely liking what I see and must give Google props. I like the way Google's CEO describes the platform as a "a social spine" because that is the absolute truth. The spine is part of the back and balances and upholds an entire operating system, whuch makes perfect sense in this example. Google is so successful because all of their components are so connected and consistently represented with that original Google stamp is such a user friendly and visually appealing way. Google has had me as a fan from day one and I'm impressed even more as time presses on. I can't wait to see what the future holds; big things, I'm certain.

I really like the redesign. Although I have heard it compared to the Facebook timeline, I think it is a step in the right direction of differentiating itself from Facebook. The surrounding white areas give it a clean feel without too much clutter. I like the huge pictures that span the screen and make viewing them easier due to not needing to click the picture to expand it.

Page's reference to Google+ as a "social spine" shows the faith he holds for the product moving forward. It is going to be an integrated backbone to the company, seamlessly integrating every product into a single platform that allows people to communicate with each other. Facebook has gotten more and more annoying to me and I have shifted my social media usage to Twitter but I see Google+ picking up steam in my book very soon. Facebook has started to take on the appeal Myspace had in it's later stages and unless drastic changes are made, I think I will be a bigger user of Google+.

I like redesigned version of Google+. The site is now more visually appealing and seems to be simpler to use. Even though I have a Google+ account, I rarely use it. After this redesign, I feel that I may begin to visit the site more often and utilize the features it includes.

The term "social spine" refers to the fact that Google+ is what connects all of Google's products. It is the backbone that provides support to the smaller products produced by Google. The social spine helps them to function together in an effective, simple to use manner.  

    I think that the new changes to Google+ are cool.  It makes it easier to navigate, and therefore more user friendly.  However, I think the new changes make it look a lot more like it's trying to be a new facebook.  It has the status update asking "share whats new", very similar to the "what's on your mind" in the facebook status box.  They're both even in a speech bubble. 

    I think being called a "social spine" means that Google+ is the backbone of social media.  It would be the biggest social media hub, setting trends for other social media.  However, I think that this is EXTREMELY generous.  I think the new design shows Google+ is reaching to be more like other social media, not the other way around.

The google redesign is awesome! 

I'm a big fan of the new Google+ layout, the previous design was a bit confusing and unlike other social networking site layouts. I'm actually excited to see if this will generate some responses from lost users and encourage them to get back on the social networking site and utilize it. I think i might give it a shot.

I really enjoyed the Google Plus makeover. Since the revamp of the site, I have been using Google plus more frequently. In the past it was difficult to appreciate all that Google Plus has to offer because everything was enlarged and hard to navigate on. With the new format, it is easier to post and explore friend's account at a more efficient pace. Moreover, the simplicity of the design is very attention-grabbing and at the same time easy on the eyes.

I think the changes are cool.  The thing I like most is that it seems to be attracting more users.  In this past week, I have gone from 0 activity on Google+ in months to getting followed by 2 of my aquaintances.  2 isn't a whole lot, but it is far superior to the old feeling of being the last man on Earth.

I think that the redesign for Google + was a good idea. It is less clutter similar to the original Facebook. I think that this minimilistic approach is good and better showcases the capabilities of the social media site. I think that Page literally means that Google + is like the back bone of social media and is supporting the use of different social media platforms. 

Google+ does a great job of trying new changes to attract more frequent usage. I like the new layout and think it helps a lot but again, one more thing to learn for unfamiliar users. I think that "social spine" is a phrase meaning a centralization where other outlets can root from Google+ in the way a spine is the main stem in which nerves transfer information. By expanding what is connected with, Google+ offers the ability to expand knowledge beyond what the site offers alone without any limbs so to speak.

I dont really use Google + a whole bunch to be that honest, and that was in large part because I wasnt a fan of ther interface they revealed during its release. In a time where comfortibility is at an all time high when it comes to ever-changing world of social media, it was a risky move to do, but I think Google, more than anyone else (as they do not reveal numbers) how loyal their users are. I feel that the new design makes it easier for navigation and flow on information without having to switch your whole page.

It seems that Page is suggesting that Google+ is now a big part of the backbone of social media. He probably isn't wrong. With that many users and cool new updates coming all the time, Google+ has gotten more integrated and more interesting. While I don't use it quite as much as my other social profiles, I expect that to change soon as more people start using it as a primary form of networking. I'm excited for the near future of Google+.

I'm excited that Google decided to continue tweaking their relatively young Google+ social networking platform. The new changes really do a great job of cleaning up the environment.  I think that it's very important for Google to keep Google+ updated in accordance with other major platforms such as Facebook so that they can continue to be competitive. 

The changes that were made to Google+ is definitely an improvement.  It's nicer to look at and more simple to navigate.  I don't use Google+ much, but am just starting to, so the redesign hasn't effected me really.  I believe calling it "a social spine" is a statement that it is an important part of social media now, especially with numbers like 170million users.  I think it is definitely a growing social tool and will keep drawing in new users.

Boy, I can't say that the redesign has had an impact on my experience. My social network is all on facebook, and until they migrate, the redesign is just window dressing. And truthfully, I prefer the recent facebook change more - the new pages look good, while google + looks plain. (Don't grade me down!)

The new design is very appealing and makes me want to explore more. However, since I don't have many contacts on Google Plus, I still do not accustomed to use this social network. I only follow some celebrities on Goolge plus. I think Google plus should be more innovative in content and functions to attract users other than designs.

At this point I don't know how I feel about Google+. I haven't been using my account, although I have one. And I didn't know about the changes until now. It seems like at least for our demographic it's not reallly hitting home when compared to Facebook. I do agree that it connects all the Google products but it that really helpful when not many people are using the "spine" itself?

I think I am a fan of the new Google+ look, but I am still fairly new to Google+ and I was just getting used to using the old way. I think the changes are easier to use. I think its easier to navigate, and see what my friends have posted recently. I also feel like it has made itself closer to Facebook, which is something I know how to use very well. This will probably get me to use Google+ more frequently than I was in the past. 

I like the new design, but it will take some getting used to. It seems like they are trying to make it more optimized for tablet browsing with large tabs and more visuals.

Google+ has yet to hold my attention for very long, and the new design doesn't change that. I don't know if I am just too loyal to Facebook and not wanting to make a switch, because I don't know if I could maintain both at the same time. The fact that not very many people I know have a Google+ account doesn't help either. It can redesign itself all it wants, but at the moment, I'm not having it.

I think the redesign was a good call by Google+. It is trying to distance its self from Facebook and trying to get people to realize that Google+ is not intended to be the next Facebook. I think this will drive more users or at the very least motivate people to check it out and dig a little deeper with it. 

I like the new design for Google+ because it becomes much easier to navigate. It is also much cleaner and more organized than before. I think a social spine is meant that Google has much greater impact than any other websites in social media world. Google plus is a backbone for social networking services.

Larry Page believes Google+ is an integral (and quite possibly essential) component of all the Google products--It's the common feature that connects everything together. I really like the new interface; It's a lot more user friendly and visually appealing.

I really like the new google+ layout! I think it makes it a lot easier to navigate, which will make it easier for new users. I think when he called it a "social spine" he meant that it's like the backbone of social media. It's really important and without it, we would not have alot of other components and they would not run so smoothly. 

I believe this was a great move for google to redesign google+.The interface is easier to navigate for the people who are not very fimiliar with google plus and it systems. The reason for users calling this a social spine is the fact that it can be linked together in numerous ways to build a giants web of connections in all fields.

I think it was smart and justified for google to re-design the new google+. It now acts a s instant hub of sources for social interaction with firneds and family and for checking up on the latest buzz. I love the new toolbar on the left which makes for easy access and easy navigation. Another cool feature is the size of images that are able to be expanded for viewing. I think what Larry means with the "social spine" is that google is becomging the "go to place" for anything related to... well, anything! It's almost like the backbone of social media acting as it's foundation for all creations. It's a super center full of everying you could ever ask and more from a company. 

I really like the new interface of Google+. It's much easier to navigate the website now, which I think was one of the biggest problems before. It's definitely cleaner and I think it will help gain more users from here. I think what Larry Page meant when he called it "a social spine" because it's really encorporating all the good features of a lot of different social media platforms and by combining them all Google+ is a really strong and steady social media site now. I think the new interface will help that 170MM users to just grow more and more over time.

I really like the new interface for Google+ and also the new layout for Youtube.  I think it will attract more consumers and also will just be more aesthetically pleasing to new and existing users.  When Larry Page called Google+ "a social spine" I think he meant that its one of the most important parts of social media, but isn't always given the credit it deserves.  People concentrate on their health so much, but rarely do you hear someone saying that they need to take some sort of holistic medicine to protect their spine.  This is what Google+ is.  One of most important parts of the social atmosphere, but it isn't always given the time or credit it deserves.  All in all, I think Page is forseeing a big move toward Google+ in the near future.

I really like the new interface that Google has released for Google+.  I already can tell that the changes make navigating Google+ easier, because of the new layout.  I think that with the new changes, Google+ will finally begin to take off.  I think that the Hangout feature will begin to grow much faster now that more people are becoming exposed to it and have a better understanding of how to use it. I think that Larry Page used the phrase "a social spine" to explain Google+ because it takes a society to make Google+ grow.  The more people that talk about it will make more people explore the page and use the features.  I think it means that without the onlione community creating buzz about Google+, it won't be able to "grow". 

I think the redesign was a good call, I thought it was not user friendly. It was due for a make over. I will have to play around with it, and see what they have done with it. Lets hope that it attracks more traffic to Google+. 

I think it is brilliant idea that Google redesigns Google + becuase it makes it easier to use and understand. I think social spine is that Google trying to improve its Google + features stronger than before so that more people will use Google+ more. By making its features stronger and more people registering, people call it a social spine because it can be the main social media sites.

I love the updated look of the new Google+! Although I didn't have any problem with the old layout I like the more modern view of the new site and agree with the New York Times article that simpler is better. I think making photos a bigger focus also is a good idea because people like visuals and as the New York Times article stated we are in a mobile world and like viewing these visuals to pass the time. It truly is the "social spine" of Google and I love how all the Google apps and features are all integrated together. Keeping the site fresh and more navigable is always a plus. As usual, I'm excited to see what the future of Google will bring and I hope more people start switching over to the Google+ community!

I feel that Google's redesign of Google+ was a very smart move. I think this new layout makes it much easier to use and navigate. I think what Page refers to as a "social spine" is that Google+ is working towards integrating all social media into one site (as much as you can atleast). By making Google+ as appealing as possible to users, I think that there numbers of 170MM users will only increase from here.

I really enjoy the redesign Google + has implemented on their social media site.  I think creating a new layout can only help Google + position amongst other social media sites.  The social media site has been off the radar for a while now so this new design should put Google + back on people’s minds.  I think Larry Page referred to Google + as a “social spine” meaning it is the backbone of all other social media sites.  In a way Google + ties in all the social media sites together, into one.  

To call Google+ a social spine is an understatement. Google has worked hard to become part of the social media circle. Their dedication to change Google+'s layout and features into something as awesome as this shows how serious they are. Google+ isn't going to become the next Myspace or die out like so many other outlets because they are willing to stay innovative and change with growing consumer demands. A lot of businessmen and women were slightly ticked at the changes (much like Facebook users were when the layout changed as well), but people will adjust and come to appreciate it in no time. It's a much smoother navigation now, and its hangout features are so much better than when it first came out that it might make a lot of people who left it early on come back to re-investigate. I look forward to the many ways this social spine stays on the cutting edge of all that is communication network related. Google+ is here to stay.

"A Social Spine"- Basically what I think that this phrase means is that Google+ is becoming the backbone of social media. They have been the leading innovators of social media, implementing fresh new, creative, and useful ideas. Google + is becoming a favored new go- to for business, non profits, and regular social media users. There are many more components to Google + that other sites like Facebook couldn't achieve.

Google’s social network got a redesign on Wednesday that makes it prettier and easier to navigate.

I have to say, the Google+ redesign has me quite pleased. Again, I see elements of Facebook on there, as well as Twitter, but the navigation along the left side is a welcome change that I wish more websites would use. I also like the fact that even with the changes, it doesn’t freeze up my web browser like Facebook does. In fact, many people, myself included, have disliked Facebook’s changes with ever redesign, yet I find most people to like the new Google+. It really shows that Google is looking to become a true competitor in the social media field.

I really enjoy the new Google+ layout. The overall look is simple and clean and I think that the new layout makes it much easier to use. With this new layout I think many more people will be interested in using Google+ and those who already have a profile will be using it more often.

When Larry Page used the term “social spine” for Google+ I think that he meant that it holds all of Google’s products together. With so many users on Google+ this will be able to support other Google products and hopefully Google+ users will explore other Google products.

The new layout from Google is a lot simpler to navigate. In a demand society we the consumer wanted something simpler. Personally beyond this class I have not really actively used my Google + account. I believe my Facebook and Twitter are sufficient for the work that I currently do. If I were to run a business or work on a campaign like the one for my final I would definitely integrate this into any companies strategy.

I love the new look of Google+.  To be honest, I created an account because we were supposed to for this class but I have yet to really integrate it into my daily life.  I feel as though I have enough distractions - whether it be from applications on my iPhone, notifications from Facebook, or anything else from twitter, pinterest, or emails.  I didn't think that I needed another social networking site to add clutter to my life.  Then again, I used to think the same thing about Facebook (years ago) and twitter (months ago) but now they have become something i checked multiple times daily.

The new look of Google+ makes navigation on the site a billion times easier.  It made a skeptic like me become more inclined to use and utilize it.  Google+ isn't something I am "addicted to" or see as neccessary to stay in touch with friends YET but perhaps it will be in the [near] future.  I believe that one day it will become the "Social Spine" of social networking - but I don't believe that it is there just yet.

Personally, I like the new look of Google+. Putting pictures and videos on the eye-catchy places is always better than leaving contents there. And I think it is a good trend for Google to finally have a "spine" platform to connect all of its products together and to engage various online conversations with customers. Hope more and more of my friends could be on it :)

I have checked out Google+ new design. I like it. Just like every other social network, changes and improvements are necessary. I foresee Google changing and adding new capabilities to their network site in the future, especially if they want to gain more users and reach the success of Facebook and Twitter.

I think what was meant by calling Google+ Google’s “social spine” is that Google needs a social network platform in order to improve Google search and other capabilities Google does and will offer in the future. Social media has become a part, if not a way of life. And it is an increasing important tool for business. I couldn’t imagine such an innovative company like Google not having a social network of some form. Google can now use the information and understanding of social connections it gathers from Google+ and incorporate it with all Google products.  

I think that Google+ getting a redesign is a great idea. Something needs to happen that will attract users to the social media platform because it seems to be going under the radar recently. Even with 170MM users, people may be signing up but not doing much with their accounts. A new design and way to move around the site might get more engagement from users. As for being a "social spine", I'm not sure if this is the right word for Google+. It does have a strong following but the interaction doesnt seem as strong as it should be. I think it could one day become a social spine of all social media platforms, meaning that it is what holds all other forms together.