Kevin Purdy, author of Google+: The Missing Manual, runs through the small-but-great tricks, the slightly hidden settings, and the methods you can use to get more out of Google+: better exposure, better interactions, and a better time.

1. 10 Things You
Probably Didn’t Know
about
Google+
Kevin Purdy
google.com/profiles/kspurdy

2. 1) Instant Upload's Backup Power
Uploads your smartphone photos to an
unlimited space whenever you're home,
automatically.

3. 2) "Direct Messages" to anyone
It's how I grab semi-famous web people to talk
to. Just use it wisely.

4. 3) Use Google Docs Together
Write or draw something while video or audio
chatting, see changes in real time.

5. 4) Easy conference calling
You and a buddy connect on Google+. Then
you call anyone in the U.S. or Canada to join in.

6. 5) Better photo manager: Picasa
Google+ photo tools aren't entirely there (ask
Tim O'Reilly). Picasa works with Google+,
though.

7. 6) That Notification Button? Killer
It's way more interactive and powerful than it
lets on. Go on--click it and move around a bit.

8. 7) The Circle Slider
You don't see it if you only view your main
stream. Head to the annoying/useful circles and
tweak away.

9. 8) Create a Hangout from a Post
Got a comment debate going? Invite everybody
to talk it out.

10. 9) Text Formatting
_This is italics_
*This is bold*
-This is strikethrough- (-text like this-)

11. 10) Keyboard Shortcut Nerdery
j/k : Go down/up one post
Enter (when post is focused) : Comment on
post
/ : Jump back up to the search box
qq: Jump to chat box (if you have it enabled)

12. Kevin Purdy
kspurdy@gmail.com
http://twitter.com/kevinpurdy
google.com/profiles/kspurdy
SHOP: http://oreil.ly/qioSsV