Google+ gets tighter Gmail integration, Android update
updated 02:40 pm EST, Thu December 8, 2011
Google Plus now has mail link, Android parity
Google+ picked up key updates on the web and mobile on Thursday. On the web, it now ties in closely with Gmail: any message from someone on Google+ gives the option to add them to the social network, and circles can be used both to auto-populate contacts and filter messages. Photos that come in through Gmail can now share out directly through Google+ instead of having to save a local copy first.
The web changes should arrive in the next few days both for Gmail and the more discrete Gmail Contacts and Google Contacts.
More immediately, the Android version of Google+ (Market) has been updated with the goal of catching up to the iOS version's brief lead. Instant Upload photos now post in high resolution. It's now possible to +1 photos and comments as well as search Google+ for content.
Some upgrades are more distinct and include live typing notifications in Messenger, starting chats by the phone number, and web links to Google+ staying inside the app. Video uploading has come back after a brief freeze, although those with low bandwidth caps may want to keep it off.
