Google+ is ending the year with an array of new features and tools that may see the platform gain ground in 2013.

Tooling up

The updates were annouced on the Google+ blog, with Google's Vice President of Engineering Dave Besbris explaining the update aims to make sharing and communicating easier and more fun.

G+ has received 24 updates in all (two for the 12 days of Christmas), covering Hangouts, Events, photos and mobile.

Hangouts Streamlined

Hangouts, which allows multiple users to chat via video, is arguably G+'s most attractive point of difference. This year Barack Obama and Julia Gillard both hosted G+ Hangouts.

As part of the update Hangouts are now optimised to work more smoothly over lower bandwidths, meaning a more seamless experience.

Events

G+ users can now send messages through Events to individual guests, and see who has opened their invitations.

Information such as the event URL can now be placed in emails and instant messages, and guests can RSVP with the number of people they will be bringing.

Events can also be replicated to make creating similar events easier.

Mobile

G+ is getting more mobile, with the platform's Android and iOS apps getting an overhaul.

It's now easier for Android app users to update their profile, create 360-degree panorama Photo spheres and participate in G+ communities.

Meanwhile, iOS app users can now subscribe to any circle for notifications, and have recieved improved Events and G+ Communities functionality.

Is it enough?

G+'s profile has been boosted this year by a number of high profile Hangouts, while recent figures show the platform now has 235 million active users (up from 100 million active users in August.)

However, the platform struggles with engagement levels, compared to Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

Will these updates be enough to boost user engagement in 2013? That might take a Christmas miracle.

Download the Google+ Android App here and the iOS version here.

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