Interesting times we live in, Conan O’Brien repeatedly remarks on his daily show. Anything is possible. While social networks are switching from desktops to mobiles, mobile services in turn are attempting to be more social. Google+ is up and running as an android application and is receiving rave reviews since. Not that it’s a new app. It was earlier launched as an iPhone app too. But feeling more at home with their own cellular device, they have gone a step further in their latest release android application released on Google Play.
As Google themselves boasted, ‘it is a simpler, more beautiful’ app, with improved image size and navigation far superior to the former version. Its most distinctive feature is the multi-functional social ‘Hang out’ and exclusively for Android. With a simple click to start, the app offers live video calling with upto nine friends all together on Messenger. It is also location-based, where you can check out your outer circle within your neighborhood. Another great asset is its photo service, in quality and capacity that can post upto 250 photo uploads. What is more important to the user, however is that he or she can choose privacy options so they are not accessible to all.
Mentioning photos will probably bring out an unpleasant reminder when The New York Times reported two months earlier how Android apps, like iOS apps were copying users’ photographs from their private collection through location based data without the user being aware. What followed in the news was a disturbing revelation when Google confirmed that they do not require seeking user permission to access their information. Google, by way of explanation, stated that the former Android devices that used SD cards for backup would have made restrictions to data access difficult even for the user to backup and so Google simply continued with the open for all system to date, where just any app developer could gain access and upload it on any site they wished. This was strongly criticized, since users are not aware of technical workings behind the apps for them to even report to the company.
But some things need to be clearly spelled out rather than provide a verbal assurance which Google did. The state of California addressed the issue and pressed developers to ‘strengthen privacy protection for Smartphone owners who download mobile applications.’ So with Hangout, here’s hoping that Google’s excellence in user experience clears the air on the privacy aspect as well.
Seemi Munir Originally Found this Post on SocialJitney
Seemi Munir was Born leader; inspires others to work to their highest potential.Seemi is Expert at business development, financial strategic planning, and profit growth.
No comments:
Post a Comment