Google Plus for Android gets a major update

The Google Plus application for Android received a major update today. Among the major changes in this version is a completely revamped User Interface that matches the look of the upcoming Ice Cream Sandwich. Apart from bugfixes, battery improvements and navigation enhancements, the update also brings support for Google Apps. Here’s a detailed look at what’s new.

The new UI for Google Plus is quite similar to the overall look and feel of apps on Ice Cream Sandwich. It seems that this update was developed specially for Ice Cream Sandwich but was released early due to growing demand. Since this is a major update, the new version replaces the previous application, hence users will have to manually update the application, unless they’ve enabled automatic updating.

Coming to the changes, the new version, that is 2.1, sports an improved navigation interface, making it easier to browse posts, profiles and circles. Adding people to circles has also been made easier. Now you can add people to your circles by simply visiting their profile and clicking on the Add to circles button, much like on the web version. For those who hated the previous notifications system, this update brings along some pleasant changes. Notifications are much more detailed and organized in this version. Google has also revamped the posting UI making it easier to add photos and location while posting updates. Once you’re done plussing, you can now sign out of the app easily, a feature which was missing in the previous versions.

For Google Apps users, this is an important update as the earlier version of the application didn’t support Google Apps. Apart from the more conspicuous changes, Version 2.1 also comes with a bunch of bugfixes and performance enhancements. If you’ve been using the app since it was first released, you’ll definitely notice a huge performance boost while navigating through the interface. To download the update just go to Android Market on your phone, hit the menu button and select ‘My Apps’. Usually if you’re connected to a WiFi/3G network, the update will automatically show up in the notifications bar.

Download: Google Plus