Google Plus to reach masses via SMS

Google Plus is set to penetrate the Indian masses in a big way by allowing users access to their accounts via SMS. Since mobile phone penetration is huge in the country and smartphones are only just about catching up, this new facility is sure to win them a big following. In fact, it is sure to make them leaders in the social networking marketplace.

All one has to do to make use of the Google Plus SMS service is integrate the mobile number with the Google Plus account. This can be achieved by accessing the account from a computer and getting onto the settings page. Once there, the user has to add the mobile number to the account. India needs to be chosen as the county and the phone number needs to be added without a country code. A request for a verification code then needs to be sent to Google. On receiving the code on the phone in a message, it simply has to be keyed on to the settings page, thus completing the integration.

It is advisable to set up a 6 digit alpha-numeric security PIN to keep messages safe from hackers and malware. This can be set up on the settings page as well.

Sharing a status update through a message is fairly easy. The update has to be sent in the form of a message to +919222222222 and it will be instantly shared with people in the user’s circles. Updates can be shared only with people in a particular circle too by adding @ followed by the circle name to the message. By adding @ extended, updates can be shared with extended circles. To share an update with just a particular person, @ followed by the email address of the person should be added to the message.

Posts to be shared with the public, including search engines, should include @public. By default all updates are shared with all the circles that a user has.

Users can also choose to receive notifications via SMS. This service can be enabled on the setting page under “Set delivery preferences” just like the service of email notifications is enabled. At any point in time, the messaging services can be stopped simply by sending the message STOP to the number above.

This interesting and easy to use provision has users of Google Plus excited. There are endless possibilities of social networking now available to those who do not own a smartphone. Get a cheap or unlimited messaging plan from your service provider and get networking!