Engage and Share Content with Google Currents

  • 30 June 2020

Introducing Google Currents!

Starting on July 6, 2020, Google+ is being transitioned to Currents. Currents offers an updated look, feel, and features to engage and communicate ideas across an organization. Currents connects users to useful and timely content that is personalized to their interests.

What can I do with Currents? 

Currents features a streamlined experience for creating content, users can easily tag their posts and attach relevant attachments or images. Exchange ideas and connect people to content by using:

  • Streams that allow you to scan, explore, and engage with relevant team or department-wide news.
  • Tools to create different types of posts, including: post titles, text formatting options, add links to text, add Google Drive files (e.g. Docs, Sheets, and Slides), and insert topical tags.
  • Tags for a quick way to explore, follow, and categorize content for topics you’re interested in, help people find your content in Currents search or streams. 
  • Post analytics to help you understand your content’s reach and engagement.

In Currents, the +1 button has been replaced with an equivalent Like action, shown as a thumbs up icon.

What will happen to Google+ posts and data?

All existing UAlberta G Suite Google+ content (posts, comments, likes, and people being followed) will transfer automatically and be available to users after the transition to Currents. Any links pointing to plus.google.com will redirect to currents.google.com.

How do I get started?

Once Currents is available for your account (rollout is gradual over 5 days, and may not be immediately visible on all accounts), you can start creating engaging content on Currents using a computer with the Chrome web browser. Google+ mobile app users will be prompted to upgrade to the new Currents app (Android or iOS); those who have auto-update enabled on their mobile device will be automatically upgraded.

Keep an eye on IST’s G Suite news to learn the latest tips, tricks, and updates for UAlberta G Suite. Additional information can be found at Get started with Currents for users. 

Note, Google+ users may also see a banner notifying them of the launch and providing links to Google help content. Google+ and Currents for G Suite for Education (including UAlberta G Suite) is considered an additional consumer service not a core service.