Google+ to to add address book import feature

Google will allow users to upload their address book into Google+, importing contacts that might not otherwise be on the company's new social network.

"We've been listening to feedback from our users who want more flexible ways to find their friends on Google+," Rohit Khare, a Google product manager, wrote in a Google+ post on Tuesday night. "One of the most flexible tools is an address book uploader, and I wanted to share the good news that it will be rolling out to everyone over the next few days."

Under the new uploader, users will be able to take their address books (in CSV formats) or vCard electronic business cards, and roll them into Google+. However, Khare pledged to keep the imported contacts separate from the other, existing Google Contacts, and to only store the ones that a user puts into Circles.

Launched at the end of June, the new Google+ social network has received mostly positive reviews, with the only real problem the lack of invitations. Even Facebook chief executive joined, and complimented Google+. Google quickly remedied that problem by opening up invitations to the public, prompting lofty estimates of the success of Google+. Google executives said that they will soon Google+ to the rest of its online properties, including Google Offers.

Creating a healthy ecosystem of users means attracting a strong user base, who can create content and thus attract new users. A version of Google+ for businesses is due later this year.

"We're hoping our new address book uploader helps users discover new ways to find their friends," Khare wrote. "As always, keep the feedback coming, and thanks for using Google+!"

This article, written by Mark Hachman, originally appeared on PCMag.com and is republished on Gear Live with the permission of Ziff Davis, Inc.