Huddle re-branded as Messenger, now sends photos

Google has updated its iPhone app for its social network Google+, adding support for "Hangouts," ie multi-user videoconferencing, reports MacStories. Up to nine people can join a Hangout, using the front-facing iPhone or iPad camera by default (though the rear camera is also supported). Other changes include the renaming of "Huddle" to "Messenger," and which now supports photo attachments.

Also noticed in the update was finer control over notifications, being able to "like" comments (or as Google calls it, "+1"), a map view in a user's profile optionally showing places they have lived, post sharing with individuals only if desired, improved search and overall bug and performance enhancements throughout the app. Surprisingly, the app has still not been updated for the iPad, leaving users to either run the iPhone version or use the web-based mobile site (which does not have all the same features as the native app).

Users can now more selectively choose which -- if any -- Google+ notifications they would like to have pushed to them, and may be more compatible with the upcoming iOS 5's Notification Center functionality. The update also improves +mention support, giving it a more twitter-like feel.

The app is free and requires only iOS 4.0 or higher. [via MacStories]

by MacNN Staff