Google adds sidebar to mobile search; updates Google+ for iOS, Android

Google has tweaked its mobile search home page, adding a new "hidden sidebar", and also released updates for its Google+ apps for iOS, Android.

The update to Google+ apps for iOS and Android brings some interesting and much awaited features. The "most highly requested feature", as Google calls it, is support for Google+ pages that was initially launched in November. Page owners now have the ability to post, comment and interact with their followers directly from their mobile device.

There are a number of other features to notice in both iOS and Android. Google+ for iOS which was a bit behind its Android client, now lets you edit posts once published.

Further, you can now save photos to your camera roll and the updated app also brings iOS 6 support and is optimised for the iPhone 5′s larger screen. iPad users can now search for people and posts from inside the app (the iPhone app already offered this  capability before).

Though the Android version didn't get quite as many updates, nevertheless, it now offers a redesigned 'Find People' experience and a new redesigned home screen widget. Google adds that the app now allows you to access photos from posts with just one tap.

What else is Google upto?
Amidst various updates to its iOS and Android apps, Google is also paying close attention to its mobile web counterpart. In the latest tweak to its mobile search homepage, Google brought a simple redesign, which now features a hidden sidebar that contains all of the Google products and services.

The top of the screen now simply contains links to web and image search as well as a Google+ notification area with a drop-down to view your full Google profile. The new sidebar addition will definitely be welcomed by many users, since it is now easier to access all services in a more refined manner.

Back to the apps. Here's the official Google+ for Android version 3.2 changelog:

• Google+ page owners can view, post and comment from mobile.
• Discover people and topics more easily using 'Find people'.
• Access photos from posts with 1-click.
• New Home screen Widget re-design.

Here's the official Google+ for iOS version 3.2 changelog:

• Support for iPhone 5 and iOS 6.
• Google+ page owners can view, post and comment from mobile.
• Ability to edit posts.
• Ability to save photos to camera roll.
• Ability to search for people and posts on iPad.

Google+ (iOS, Free)
Google+ (Google Play, Free)