Sunday, November 06, 2011

Google integrates YouTube, Chrome more deeply into Google+

11/06/2011 | 08:40 AM

In a bid to enhance sharing on its upcoming social network, Google has integrated its video-sharing site YouTube and its Chrome browser more deeply into Google+.

Vic Gundotra, Google's senior vice president for engineering, said YouTube and Chrome are now more accessible from the Google+ network.

"It's no secret that YouTube is filled with tons of great content (from inspiring speeches to music videos to honey badgers). We wanted to bring YouTube directly into Google+—as well as make it easier to watch and share your favorites – so we're launching a YouTube 'slider' in the stream," Gundotra said in a blog post.

A user can mouse over the new YouTube icon at the top right of Google+, and a message will slide out asking "What would you like to play?"

Based on the user's input, YouTube will start playing a list of related videos in a new pop-up window.

Even if one moves the pop-up elsewhere, they can still navigate their playlist from the slider.

"Sharing YouTube videos with your circles also works (of course), but there's a nice little twist: the people you share with can open a related playlist directly from your post! Last but not least, we’re starting to include YouTube playlists in Google+ search results," Gundotra said.

On the other hand, Gundotra said Google is also rolling out two new Chrome extensions for Google+ – the +1 button and notifications.

"Of course, if you don't use Chrome, then you can use Google Toolbar for Internet Explorer. The new version – also rolling out today – includes these same sharing and notification features, Gundotra said.

He added Google has "lots more" planned for Google+, after YouTube and Chrome.

A separate article on tech site Mashable said this was the latest in a series of enhancements to Google+.

Only last summer, it said Google incorporated the ability to play YouTube videos in Google+ Hangouts.

http://bit.ly/s5JGbh

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