Google+ gets 170 million users and a major revamp

Google has announced a major revamp of Google+, the social network that everyone signs up for but no seems to use.

The new features include bigger photos and videos, revamped albums and geotags as well as an easier way to find community around your content.

Introducing the new features via a blog post, Senior Vice President, Vic Gundotra said "So today we're introducing a more functional and flexible version of Google+. We think you'll find it easier to use and nicer to look at, but most importantly, it accelerates our efforts to create a simpler, more beautiful Google."

Taking a cue from Twitter, Google+ has introduced a new explore page that shows what's interesting and trending across the network.

Hangouts get new features in the shape of a rotating billboard that lists popular hangouts as well as quick access to every public and on air hangout.

Gundotra also shared that the total number of Google+ signups had exceeded 170 million. This indicates that the company's aggressive push to get people to signup for the service seems to be working, though getting them to stick around and use continues to be a challenge.

Vic Gundotra summarized the changes saying it was a move towards a simpler, more beautiful Google. "By focusing on you, the people you care about, and the stuff you're into, we're going to continue upgrading all the features you already know and love - from Search and Maps to Gmail and YouTube. With today's foundational changes we can move even faster - toward a simpler, more beautiful Google."

Check out the video below introducing the new Google+ and visit our gallery to see the new features in great detail.