Revamped Google+ for Android 2.1 touts new visual design

Google (NASDAQ:GOOG) released a new version of its Google+ social networking application optimized for devices running its Android mobile operating system, available now as a free download from Android Market.

The new Home Screen Notice notifications are now in the top right corner.

According to Google product manager Ben Eidelson, Google+ for Android v2.1 was designed in conjunction with the new Android 4.0 operating system update (a.k.a. "Ice Cream Sandwich"). Highlights of the revamped app include a new visual design, battery life improvements, enhanced navigation and performance, a new posting UI, support for Google Apps users and multiple bug fixes. Google + for Android v2.1 is optimized for all devices powered by Android OS 2.2 ("Froyo") and higher.

Google+ launched in June 2011. The service promises to rival Facebook by giving users the flexibility to selectively share materials with friends and family sorted into "circles." Google+ also includes Hangouts, a multi-person video chat solution, as well as Huddle, a group messaging feature supporting real-time texting to multiple contacts. Last month, Google CEO Larry Page said Google+ now boasts more than 40 million users.

Android 4.0 is slated for release on Nov. 17 in conjunction with the launch of Samsung Electronics' Galaxy Nexus smartphone. Android 4.0 delivers the tablet-optimized innovations introduced in Google's Android 3.0 Honeycomb update to all devices in an effort to reduce platform fragmentation. Google first confirmed Ice Cream Sandwich's forthcoming launch during its annual I/O developer conference in May and has promised that moving forward, the same version of Android will run across all devices, regardless of screen size.

For more:
- read Eidelson's Google+ post

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