[Google+ Photos Update Bonanza] Auto Backup for desktop prompts, improved date picker and more

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Google+ Photos has received a smattering of minor improvements today which make for a better all-round experience.

The updates are spread across three areas of the Photos services, but instead of writing one article for each, I know you'd much rather prefer catching up on the changes in one post. So here we are, Enjoy!

Auto Backup for Windows Prompt

Update: Apple Mac users will also be prompted to download the Auto Backup client. Thanks to everyone who sent this in!

Windows users have been reporting in our community that as of today, they've been receiving prompts when viewing Google+ Photos to download the Auto Backup client for the desktop.
Auto Backup prompt
The prompt briefly highlights the benefits (automatic photo backup, just like your mobile devices) and explains that all photos backed up are private until the user chooses to share to other people or circles.

Though the client has been available for a few months as part of Picasa for Windows, it appears that Google has just started pushing the standalone installer for Auto Backup.

Date Picker Improvements

The next change involves the date picker, which was first introduced back in December last year. Previously, the white button would display the month an album of photos were taken as you scrolled down. That button has since been painted blue and reduced in size, and a new 'up' button has been added.
Just a small change like this one makes the browsing photos both easier and faster
Pressing the up arrow button will take you up a month, without having to scroll awkwardly. Hovering over the date segment on the button will trigger the day/month/year picker as usual.

New hover button on photos

Now, when hovering the cursor over a photo, a button will subtly fade-in which upon pressing, will take you directly to the highlights page for the original sharer of the photo. This means that the original sharer gets more credit, and hopefully more eyeballs fixed on their other photos.
The button is subtle in its appearance, meaning it won't detract the viewer from the photo
This update works for both profiles and pages, in the stream (shares and reshares) and also on notifications, which is a nice bonus.

So there you have it, 3 solid mini-updates which I'm sure you'll find at least one useful in some way or another. Photos is always being improved, but where's the love for the other parts of Google+ like Communities and Local? Hmmm...

What's your favourite Photos improvement? Let us know in the comments!

Thanks for the tips +Laura Manach, +Gabriel Komarnicki and +Sean S!
Auto Backup image: +Sean S