GOOGLE + GETS UPDATES

Google + (G+) has announced a number of improvements on it's blog this morning. Some of the improvements include the finer control over postings. The control allows the user to “graphic-equalize” the stream of a particular circle. A slider will allow the user to adjust how posts are blended into the stream.

The G+ team has also updated the photo viewing utility, Lightbox. The improvements to Lightbox include improved navigation, enhanced comment legibility and better overall utility. Other improvements include better photo-tagging utility that is "both fun and fluid." These improvements are designed to make the photo the hero, letting the content itself shine through.

Notifications have been updated as well. G+ has enhanced the notifications with easier to read "sneak previews" that immediately present what’s new and why you might care.

Lastly, Pages have been updated. Administration has been improved with the ability to have up to 50 managers as administrators for the page. Notficiations for Pages has been improved to help those managers stay in the loop and be more involved with page conversation.

GOOGLE+ CHANGING DUE TO USER FEEDBACK

Today, Vic Gundotra, senior vice president of social at Google used his Google+ account to post a message confirming there’s “lots of criticism for Google+.” Not only that, but before the end of the week we should start seeing changes to address those criticisms.

Although there isn’t a list of what the most criticized features are (or lack thereof), the responses to Gundotra’s post are very telling. Here’s the ones we managed to extract from the 200+ comments he has received so far, most of which have had multiple +1 upvotes:

• Ability to modify circles a post is shared with after posting it
• Reading sparks and +1 comments in the Android app
• Lifting of the 5000 circle cap (really?)
• The ability to overlap circles
• Option of a circle that doesn’t show up in your stream
• Menu follows you down the stream as you scroll
• Easy private messaging option including to person who starts a thread
• Google+ app for other platforms (WP7)
• Blocking working 100% of the time
• Easy way to merge circles
• Sharing and refresh updates in the Android app
• Link to hide all comments again after you’ve clicked to show all
• Better integration of Google Chat with Google+
• Fix issues with instant upload for photos
• Ability to share with all circles, but with an “except” option
• Ability to share Google Docs and Calendar with circles
• Revamp Google Reader to make sharing easier
• File-sharing integration
• Nested comments
• Addition of hashtags to aid searching

As you can see, most of the requests are for more control and more integration with other Google services. There also seems to be a big push for the Android app to be improved quickly.

We know any bugs will be the first thing to be fixed, but also for the control of circles (privacy, merging) and better stream access and controls to be targeted first. I’m sure there’s also a lot of feedback regarding the invite system and how overwhelmed it became.

Tell us what you think needs changing/fixed/added/modified in the comments.

LEAK: iOS 5 TO OFFER OVER THE AIR UPDATES

While searching for updates in iTunes, a MacRumors reader stumbled upon the page above, which alludes to an "Automatic Download" feature that allows for wireless syncing. Also, the fact that Apple went out of its way to say "...if your device has Automatic Download enabled for apps" makes us wonder what else we'll soon be able to update over the air. The company has since pulled the tattletale page in iTunes, but MacRumorsgrabbed a screenshot while it was still live.

XBOX.COM GETTING MAJOR FACELIFT

The Xbox 360 dashboard isn't the only Microsoft product getting updated.  Microsoft's Major Nelson has reported that Xbox.com will launch a new site tomorrow.  The site will more tightly integrate with the Xbox 360 and Windows Phone 7, the new mobile OS from Microsoft launching in November.  The new site will feature and online avatar editor and some games that can be played with your Xbox Live friends on the web or on your Windows Phone 7 device.  Other items include a streamlined view of messages, friend and game requests, some new family reports that will allow you to see how members are using Xbox Live along with improved browsing and search options for the Marketplace. [Engadget]