Google plus (Google+) is a social networking and identity service that is multilingual owned and operated by Google Inc. It is the second largest social networking site in the world and as of 2012 had a total of 500 million registered users. This site is open to everyone 18 years if age and older without an invitation needed. Google+ integrates Google Mail, Google Profiles, Circles, Hangouts, and Sparks. Google+ comes with many features:

Circles – allow users to organize people into groups for sharing.  Other users may be able to see a list of people in a user’s collection of Circles; however, they cannot see the names of the Circles. Privacy settings allow users to hide the users in their Circles along with who has them in their Circle. First the user is added to a Circle, then once they are notified, they have to manually drag-and-dropped the other user to one of their circles. Users can also share their circles, however if the creator of the circle updates members, the shared copies will not update because it is a one-time share. The default circles are Family, Friends, Acquaintances, and Following, which can be renamed whenever. From Circles users can control their “Stream.” By using the slider, which controls the quantity of posts that appear, users can set it to nothing, some things, most things, and everything.

Stream – is where users will see updates from people in their Circle. Users can enter posts in the input box to share. Along with texts, photos and videos can also be uploaded. There is a filter to show only posts from specific Circles.

Hangouts – are where a maximum of 10 people can participate in a group chat. Only Google+ users are allowed to join a “Hangout.” When on YouTube, by clicking the share button there is a feature that allows you to watch it with friends in a Hangout. Users can also share documents, scratch pad, and screens with other users. Mobile Hangout supports Android 2.3+, iPhone, and iPad devices with front facing cameras. Hangout broadcasts can be recorded but the feature is only available to users over the age of 18.

Messenger – allows Android, iPhone and SMS devices communicate within circles through instant messenger. Pictures can also be shared.

Instant Upload – is where photos and videos are stored in a private album to be shared later on.