G++: Merge Google+, Facebook & Twitter - Chrome & Firefox Extension

Google+ and the Rise of Social Network Integration

Currently, Google+ is receiving significant attention within the social networking landscape. Despite its recent launch, the platform is experiencing remarkable user acquisition.

Recent statistics indicate that the Google+ user base has surpassed 18 million individuals.

Combining Social Streams with G++

Many users are engaged in a comparison between Google+ and Facebook, attempting to determine which platform best suits their needs.

However, a different approach involves integrating multiple social networks to leverage the advantages of each.

G++ is a browser extension available for both Chrome and Firefox designed to achieve this integration.

This tool allows users to incorporate their Facebook and Twitter feeds directly into the Google+ interface.

By utilizing G++, individuals can consolidate their social media experience.

This provides a unified view of updates from various platforms.

Ultimately, it offers a way to enjoy the benefits of multiple social networks without constantly switching between them.

Plus Plus Plus: Unifying Your Social Feeds

Many individuals have invested significant time and effort in cultivating their online presence on Facebook, leading most users to be hesitant about transitioning to a new social platform and reconstructing their network from the ground up. Managing and updating multiple social networks concurrently can also prove to be a demanding task for some.

With G++, the need for such a decision is eliminated.

Installation and Setup

To integrate your Facebook and Twitter feeds into Google+, navigate to the G++ website using either the Chrome or Firefox browser – or both – and select the "Add" button to initiate the extension download and installation process.

Your browser will prompt you for permission to proceed with the installation; confirm by clicking "Install". Subsequently, log in to your Google+ account to activate the extension’s functionality.

Stream Management

Once your Google+ stream page loads, you’ll observe three checkboxes positioned at the top: Google+, Facebook, and Twitter. Enabling or disabling each stream is as simple as checking or unchecking the corresponding boxes, aligning with your individual preferences.

It’s even possible to disable the Google+ stream entirely, allowing you to view only your Facebook or Twitter feeds directly through the Google+ interface.

Account Authorization

The initial activation of Facebook and Twitter streams will require authorization for G++ to access your respective accounts. New users will need to complete a single activation step for each account before proceeding.

To activate Facebook access, temporarily disable any active pop-up window blockers. Allow the pop-up window specifically for this one-time activation process by clicking the "Log In | Facebook" link within the warning window.

Following successful authorization, you will be redirected back to the stream page. Ensure the desired boxes are checked, then click the "Refresh Stream" button to populate your feed with content from Facebook and Twitter.

Identifying Stream Sources

Entries from each platform are easily distinguishable through color-coding and a small logo displayed in the top right corner of each post. Beyond simply viewing the streams, G++ also facilitates interaction with content.

Users can retweet Twitter entries, and also Like and comment on posts originating from Facebook.

Cross-Platform Posting

A key benefit of integrating Google+ with Facebook and Twitter is the capability to publish to all three platforms simultaneously. Simply compose your message – including images, videos, links, and location tags – check the Facebook and Twitter boxes adjacent to the "Click to Post to FB/Twitter" button, and then click the button itself.

Verification and Interaction

To verify the extension’s functionality, a post was immediately shared to a Facebook wall, and it appeared as expected. The same post also materialized within the Google+ stream, representing both the Twitter and Facebook versions.

A comment was received on the post from a friend. Clicking the "Comment" link, a reply was typed and submitted. The reply then appeared under the original comment, functioning seamlessly as if within the native Facebook environment.

Disabling the Extension

G++ can be easily disabled at any time by toggling the on/off boxes located at the top right corner of the web interface.

Final Thoughts

After extensive use, G++ proves to be a remarkably useful tool for managing multiple social networks. If a feature request could be made to the developer, it would be the addition of support for connecting to a wider range of popular social networking platforms.

Are you an avid social media user? Do you believe G++ could assist you in staying connected across your Google+, Facebook, and Twitter accounts? Are you aware of any similar alternatives? Share your opinions and experiences in the comments below.