Google Plus

Google Chromebooks can now detect iOS devices and automatically import all images and video to Google+ thanks to the newly installed Google+ Photos app. While this makes it easier for iOS users to upload images and video to their Chromebooks, it is also annoying because sometimes you don't want your files to be automatically shared on social media sites.

Luckily you can disable this feature by locating the Google+ Photos app in the Apps tab located at the bottom of your Chromebook's display. You can then navigate to the Google+ Photos Settings by clicking the gear icon in the top hand right corner. Just remove the check next to "Automatically import photos when I plug in a camera or memory card," and this will stop your Chromebook from detecting your iOS device and trying to import your photos to Google+.

Google has rolled out the same new features to the iOS version of its Google+ app that Android users have been enjoying for a few days now. Google+ version 4.5 now allows users to access their photos and videos stored on Google Drive, and Messenger has been replaced with Hangouts. Google Apps for Business features are now supported, and the ability to start a Hangout with someone directly from that person's profile has also been added to the app.

Google+ is Google's Facebook-like service which allows people to connect and share with other Google+ users. Google Drive is Google's cloud-based storage service where users can store documents, photos and images. Both are available as free iOS apps in the Apple App Store.

Google’s Vice President of Product Management Bradley Horowitz announced that Google has partnered with Flipboard to integrate Google+ into the news reader. Flipboard is a popular mobile news magazine for Android and iOS devices. It already features Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr and Instagram feeds. Google plans to add even more content to Flipboard via its new Google+ APIs.

Google recently redesigned its Google+ app after it was poorly received. Horowitz told LeWeb founder Loic Le Meur that the revamped iOS and Android applications have boosted interaction and have been well received by users. However, Google partnering with Flipboard suggests all is not well for Google in the social news reader world.

Google announced their redesigned app for the iPhone on Wednesday via their official blog. Version 2.0.0.5888 of the Google+ brings a new stream and navigation experience, plus various bugfixes and performance improvements.

Full-bleed photos and videos are cool. But you know what’s really cool? Content so immersive it remakes your mobile device into a rich carousel of beloved memories and breaking news. That’s the Google+ experience we aspire to, and today’s release helps us get closer:

Whether you post photos or articles or text, we’re making ‘em look gooood
We’re adding crisper fonts, larger profile pics and a friendlier homescreen
We’re making the stream easier to scan, and easier on the eyes with overlays, gradients and other visual elements.