Post to Google+ through SMS now - Only for Indian users

Google has a soft corner for the people in India. Or probably they have managed to understand the importance of mobile market in India. Because Google, in its Google+ has provided the functionality for Indian users (only) to update their Google+ status through their cell phones. This feature was already in facebook and looks like Google is on a spree to beat the facebook and grab some Indian population.

Enabling SMS Updates

To enable SMS way of updating the Google+ status, you need to do the following -

You need to first add your number to the Google+ settings. So go to your google plus settings page. Once you enter your phone number, then you will have the usual process of confirmation through a verification code sent to your mobile. Once your phone is verified, select the SMS radio button and you're done. The updates can be posted from your registered number by sending your update to +91 9222222222

Sharing Options

By default the update will be shared with all the circles but you do have some options to change the default. You have to append these tags likewise.

@[circle name]
To share with a specific circle, append your post with @[circle name].
For example: "Will see you at the game @soccerfolks".



@extended
To share with everyone in your extended circles, append your post with @extended.
For example: "Any SF restaurant recommendations? @extended".

@public
To share your post publicly, append your post with @public.
For example: “Any SF restaurant recommendations? @public”.

Public posts could be found in search.

@[email address]
To share your post with a specific person, append your post with @[email address].
For example, "In SF for the week @jazzguitar9@gmail.com" will be visible to jazzguitar9@gmail.com.


Security PIN

Google has always been cautious on security issues and hence you are allowed to add an optional security layer of entering PIN. If you set up a PIN, include the  SMS posts and commands with the PIN. For example: "A1B2C3 Will see you at the game @soccerfolks."

SMS Notifications

You can also receive notifications on your phone through SMS by just checking the boxes that best suit you. This is also available in the settings page. Here's the snapshot -

This is how you enable Google+ SMS on your account.