Today, Google has rolled out a new update to its Google+ social network, which brings with it support for an additional 41 countries. Users in these countries can now update their Google+ streams via SMS messages from their mobile phones. This update significantly expands the accessibility of Google+ and allows more users to stay connected and share updates even without internet access.
New Countries with SMS Update Capability
The additional 41 countries now able to SMS update and post directly to their Google+ accounts include: Afghanistan, Algeria, Angola, Bahrain, Benin, Cambodia, Cameroon, Congo (DRC), Cote D’Ivoire, Egypt, Ghana, Guinea, Indonesia, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Liberia, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Morocco, Mozambique, Niger, Nigeria, Pakistan, Philippines, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Thailand, Tunisia, Uganda, Uzbekistan, Vietnam, and Zambia.
This expansion is particularly beneficial for users in regions where internet connectivity may be unreliable or expensive. By enabling SMS updates, Google+ ensures that users can remain active on the platform, sharing their thoughts, photos, and updates with their circles without needing a constant internet connection.
How to Sign Up for SMS Updates
To sign up for the service, all you need to do is add and activate your mobile phone number within your Google+ account settings. Here’s a step-by-step guide to get you started:
1. Log in to your Google+ account: Access your account through the Google+ app or website.
2. Navigate to Settings: Find the settings option, usually represented by a gear icon.
3. Add your mobile number: Enter your mobile phone number in the designated field.
4. Verify your number: Google will send a verification code to your phone. Enter this code to confirm your number.
5. Find your local SMS number: Visit Google’s Support website to find the local number you need to text to make an update.
Once your number is verified and you have the local SMS number, you can start sending updates to your Google+ stream via SMS. This feature is particularly useful for users who are frequently on the move or in areas with limited internet access.
Benefits of SMS Updates
The ability to update Google+ via SMS offers several advantages:
– Accessibility: Users in remote areas or those with limited internet access can still participate in social networking.
– Cost-Effective: SMS updates can be more affordable than mobile data, especially in countries where data plans are expensive.
– Convenience: Users can quickly share updates without needing to open an app or browser, making it easier to stay connected on the go.
Examples of Usage
Consider a user in a rural area of Kenya who wants to share updates about their community projects but has limited internet access. With SMS updates, they can easily send text messages to their Google+ stream, keeping their followers informed without needing a stable internet connection.
Similarly, a traveler in Cambodia can share their travel experiences in real-time by sending SMS updates, ensuring their friends and family stay updated even if they are in areas with poor internet connectivity.
Google’s expansion of SMS update capabilities to 41 additional countries is a significant step towards making social networking more inclusive and accessible. By allowing users to post updates via SMS, Google+ ensures that everyone, regardless of their internet situation, can stay connected and share their stories.
For more information and to find the local SMS number for your country, visit Google’s Support website.
Source: TNW
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