9to5 Mac reports today that the Google+ iOS app has just received a big update, which, among other things will enable you to start and join video Hangouts from a mobile device, not just on Wi-Fi, but also on 4G and 3G devices. The Official Google Blog explains that to get involved, you simply have to find an active Hangout in the Stream and join it. Also in the update, Huddle has been changed to Messenger, as well as undergoing reliability improvements, and the ability to send photos in Messenger has also been added. Other tweaks include a map view in Profile to show where you've lived, improved + mention support, and the ability to share a post with an individual. Public search has also been improved, which according to the Official Google blog is something that users have been requesting, to have Google search technology used in the app.

Click here to download the free app: App Store - Google+

Source: Google Plus for iOS updated with video Hangout support, Messenger update, more | 9to5Mac | Apple Intelligence
Official Google Blog: Google+: 92, 93, 94, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99... 100.

Can I start a hangout from my IPad2?

It's a pity this is only an iPhone app with a x2 button.

There is no way I have found to actually start a hangout with this app and an iPad but you can join one already running.