Looks like Google is determined to make their social networking venture Google+ a success and that’s why they changed the entire layout and tried to make a more compact and easy to understand layout. While there are some features of the layout that are praise worthy but alongside we have some stupid and highly criticized features. Today we are going to take an in depth look at the new Google+ Layout and try to figure out the good and the bad.

The Sidebar Navigation

One of the first things that you will notice when you switch to the new look of Google+ is the all new Sidebar Navigation. The Sidebar Navigation kind of looks new and refreshed allowing you to browse into different segments of the social networking website much faster.  The Icons are enlarged and the entire sidebar can even be customized to suit your requirements.

Although the sidebar appears more convenient but it’s got a look that would suit a tablet app or a mobile device rather than the mainstream PC or Laptop.

The Dedicated Hangout Button

Another noticeable feature with the new Google+ look is the addition of a dedicated Hangout Button on the top right hand side of the screen. This button indicates that Google is trying to promote their new Google Hangout Services to everybody and now you can quickly start a hangout without the trouble of finding the hangout button like in the older look.  I like this new feature being added to Google+.

Explore not Sparks

When Google+ was first launched we all wondered how Google Sparks will play an important role in Search Engine Optimization. As days passed by the Google +1 Button became more and more popular but Google Spark lacked any interest among users. Maybe it’s because of the way it was marketed or integrated into the Google+ System that people did not find it that useful. Now Google+ is trying to reinvent Spark with Google+ Explore allowing you to see what’s going on around you pertaining to your interests.

I am still not sure how Explore Works but I did find out a slider that allows you to change the amount of posts from Explore to your Actual Feed.

The new Google+ Profile Page

When I first saw the new Google+ Profile Page I could only utter one thing. Why Copy Facebook Google, WHY? I mean seriously this is like a full proof of the fact that Google+ is copying stuff directly from Facebook.  The new Profile Page Comes with a background image similar to that of Facebook Cover. You can also select to choose tiles of your recent photos instead of the whole image.

Other than that your profile has changed a bit in its layout as all your links and info comes below the page and there is no sidebar where we previously used to have our links to websites or other Social Profile.

Google Stream Changes

Last but not the least one of the most changed aspect of Google+ is its Stream. I still don’t understand why Google choose to shift the entire Stream to the left and reveal a lot of white space. It looks odd and is being criticized by many critics. However the overall appearance of Google+ Stream is being enhanced to accommodate smoother animations when a new feed pops up, better YouTube  Integration and an all new style for Updating your Google+ Status. I still feel that the feed should be centralized which will enhance the overall look and feel of Google+.

That’s my take on Google+’s new looks and feel. Please comment below and share your thoughts regarding this major update.

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