Yes, yes. I have been waiting for a few of these. This is exciting stuff.
(I am aware of how nerdy this makes me sound. I am embracing it.)

I consider these new features as proof that Google monitors feedback. Several of these new features position Google Analytics with the top level (not to mention expensive) “Enterprise Class” programs.

Let’s go over them.

---

Analytics Intelligence with Custom Alerts
Using an algorithmic driven Intelligence engine, Analytics Intelligence monitors data patterns over daily, weekly and monthly periods. Significant changes in data trends and insights you may not have noticed are surfaced directly in your account. You can also create your own Custom Alerts that monitor your selection of dimensions and metrics that can be sent by email or displayed in the Intelligence reports.

Pattern Recognition is more than just buzz. Google made some great improvements in trending and determining insights. Alerts and reporting was already there but it looks like you can really customize the alerts now. This makes a lot of sense if you have set up context for different managers, staff, etc.. Good stuff on first review.

---

Expanded Goals and New Engagement Goals
You can now track even more conversions by creating up to 20 goals per profile. Measure user engagement and branding success on your site with Time on Site and Pages per Visit goals. Set up your first Engagement goal in minutes.

Nothing really new but much needed. Many companies overlook the goals area of Google Analytics and never bother setting them up. Those of us that use goals (and filters) know the value. My only complaint was that you maxed out at 5.

---

Expanded Mobile Reporting
Google Analytics has expanded support for mobile websites and tracking for iPhone and Android mobile applications tracking. Adding server side code to your PHP, JSP, PERL, or ASPX mobile websites enables you to track non-Java-Script enabled phones. For mobile application developers, access the SDK and technical implementation details here. You’ll also be able to see breakout data on mobile devices and carriers in the new Mobile reports in the Visitors section.

This is one of the “Enterprise Class” upgrades. Some of this was there before but the ability to track non JS enabled devices is new, very cool, and very much needed. I assumed android would be prominent but I am glad they included iPhone as well.

---

Unique Visitors Metric
Include the Unique Visitors metric in your Custom Report or Advanced Segments to see how many actual visitors (unique cookies) visit your website. You can select Unique Visitors as a metric against any dimensions in Google Analytics.

Sorely missed before. Actual visitors (unique cookies) is a vital metric. There were work-arounds before but they were assumptive in nature. I will have to explore the forums and Google Analytics blog on this one.

---

Advanced Analysis Features
Dive deeper into your data with Pivoting, Secondary Dimensions, and Advanced Table Filtering. These combined features enable you to perform in-depth, on the fly data analysis within your account.

Yet another “Enterprise Class” upgrade. I used to manipulate some of this data in Excel but it looks like I may not have to anymore.

---

Share Advanced Segments and Custom Report Templates
Share the URL link for an Advanced Segment or Custom Report with anyone who has an Analytics account. Sharing the link will automatically import the pre-formatted template into the person’s account. Also available now is the ability to share or hide your Advanced Segments and Custom Reports by profile.

What! No way I am sharing my segments or reports with anyone!  Just kidding. I always wondered why you could not do that before. Its always been easy enough to give Analytics access to other people with a Google (Gmail) account. I like this even more. I am looking forward to showing off my Jedi skills. I am also hoping a few people I know will share with me.

---

Multiple Custom Variables
Custom variables provide the power and flexibility to customize Google Analytics to collect the unique site usage data most important to your business. Define and track visitors according to visitor attributes (member vs. non-member), session attributes (signed in or signed out), and by page-level attributes (viewed Sports section). Use custom variables to classify any number of interactions and behaviors on your site. Start learning more about them now.

This is segmentation to the max and it has the added benefit of allowing true contextual customization. I never thought Google needed any improvement in that regard but this looks promising.

It’s important to note that a lot of these features have the “little red beta” text next to them. That’s Google for you. Google’s “beta” equals Microsoft’s 3rd release. I think Gmail was beta for 3 years or more.

---