Is it me or has Google grown? I know that’s sort of a rhetorical question but I guess I get so accustomed to utilizing Google from my browser’s toolbar I never took the time to really notice what Google has been up to. And I’ve got to say, I’m rather impressed. I know there are plenty of people convinced that any company that large and with that much control is too large and has too much control. But come on - at least Google doesn’t treat their users like Microsoft (can you say Vista?) or even Apple. I found it pretty interesting that Google makes much of their code available to outside users - even for profit companies. I’d like to see Microsoft or Apple do that (without asking for an arm, leg and your next born in return).
A few things about Google that really intrigue me:
- Google Docs: Document, Spreadsheet and Presentation software - for free -all on-line. Stored on-line so it’s accessible from any internet accessible computer. Single user use or collaborative use (in real time) and they integrate with any of the other programs in Google Apps. I still think Basecamp has Google beat in terms of group collaboration, but you just can’t beat all the tools Google gives you in one package.
- GOOG-411: No more calling my cell provider’s 411 service. Dial 800-GOOG-411 (800-466-4411), say where you are (or key in the zip code) and then say what business or type of business you are looking for. GOOG-411 does the rest. And if I’m right, most people will utilize this little gem from their cellphone - just say Text Message or Map It after you’ve found the business you are looking for and GOOG-411 will send you a text message with more details about the business or a map of the general area where the business is located.
- Google Scholar: I found out about this during one of my masters classes at MSU. Unlike Wikipedia references which most college professors will not accept because of Wikipedia’s inhairent systematic bias and for favoring consensus over credentials in their editorial process, Google Scholar offers comprehensive searches of published scholarly works and papers. This is a dream come true for just about any student at any institute of higher education.
- Google Mobile: Who needs a GPS enabled cellphone now? Google Maps in mobile form along with local information and directions. I’ll never be lost again.
- Google Labs: If I worked for Google, this is where I’d want to work. Who’d ever think we would need Maps of Mars. I guess the people at Google Labs because they offer it. Google Trends takes a detailed look at what we’re looking at (or looking for). And the Google Extensions for FireFox makes my day with their browser sync. Not that I use my laptop all the time - I prefer my desktop system - but it will be nice to have my bookmarks the same on my computers (yes, I know I could use del.icio.us or comparable, but Google products are just so simple and elegant - why not use them?).
Call me crazy, but I just don’t see Google as a take over the world sort of company. So much of what they offer is just allowing us to simplify how we use technology. Almost to the point of elegance. Unlike some companies that create innovative products (ahem…Apple…ahem), Google doesn’t seem set on making people use them. The Google home page still only has 14 clickable links on it. And although Alexa ranks Google #4 in total traffic, I have my doubts that that number is to be completely trusted simply because their traffic counter relies solely on feedback from people willing to install their toolbar. Even if Google is #4 in daily traffic Google is still the king of the Internet search and assumes that you’ve come to their home page to accomplish a task - a search task to be specific. If you want to use their other products, the link is there. And I do suggest using them or at least trying them - you may very well find simplicity in technology as well. But the real beauty of Google’s offerings is you can use just one or two of their products without needing others. They are independent tools that often times do work quite well together.
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