Google offers a vast array of tools and services that go beyond its popular search engine, email, and cloud storage solutions. These lesser-known tools can enhance productivity, creativity, and organization in various aspects of your personal and professional life. Here are eight useful Google tools you might not know about:
1. Google Keep
Overview: Google Keep is a note-taking app that lets you quickly jot down ideas, create checklists, and set reminders. It’s available on mobile and desktop, and integrates seamlessly with Google Drive.
Key Features:
- Color-coded notes for easy organization
- Voice memos and image-based notes
- Collaborate in real-time with others
- Sync across all devices
Why It’s Useful: It’s perfect for keeping your thoughts, tasks, and ideas organized and accessible from anywhere.
2. Google Forms
Overview: Google Forms is a tool for creating surveys, quizzes, and polls with ease. It’s part of the Google Workspace suite and integrates with Google Sheets for easy data collection and analysis.
Key Features:
- Customizable templates for different types of forms
- Automatic data collection in Google Sheets
- Real-time collaboration and responses
- Embed forms on websites or share via links
Why It’s Useful: Ideal for gathering information, conducting research, or organizing events without needing specialized software.
3. Google Scholar
Overview: Google Scholar is a free search engine that indexes scholarly articles, theses, books, conference papers, and patents. It’s an invaluable tool for students, researchers, and academics.
Key Features:
- Access to a vast database of academic resources
- Citation tracking and alerts for new research
- Ability to save and organize sources in personal libraries
- Links to full-text articles through libraries and subscriptions
Why It’s Useful: It’s a go-to resource for conducting academic research and staying updated on scholarly work.
4. Google Jamboard
Overview: Google Jamboard is a digital interactive whiteboard that allows teams to brainstorm, collaborate, and share ideas in real-time. It’s available as a web app and a physical device.
Key Features:
- Real-time collaboration on a shared digital canvas
- Drawing, text, and image integration
- Cloud-based saving and access from any device
- Easy sharing and presentation tools
Why It’s Useful: Perfect for remote teams or classrooms looking to collaborate visually and creatively.
5. Google Data Studio
Overview: Google Data Studio is a free tool for creating interactive dashboards and customizable reports from your data. It integrates with various data sources, including Google Analytics, Google Sheets, and BigQuery.
Key Features:
- Drag-and-drop report building
- Real-time data integration
- Customizable charts, graphs, and tables
- Easy sharing and collaboration
Why It’s Useful: It’s a powerful tool for visualizing and sharing data insights, particularly for marketing, sales, and data analysis teams.
6. Google Alerts
Overview: Google Alerts allows you to monitor the web for specific keywords or topics and receive updates via email. It’s useful for staying informed about the latest news, competitors, or industry trends.
Key Features:
- Customizable alerts based on keywords or phrases
- Frequency options (real-time, daily, weekly)
- Filter results by region, source type, and language
- Delivered directly to your inbox
Why It’s Useful: Helps you keep track of online mentions of your name, brand, or any topic of interest.
7. Google Arts & Culture
Overview: Google Arts & Culture is a platform that brings the world’s art, history, and cultural treasures to your fingertips. You can explore museum collections, cultural stories, and virtual tours of famous landmarks.
Key Features:
- High-resolution images of artworks and artifacts
- Virtual reality tours of museums and historical sites
- Interactive exhibits and educational resources
- Art selfie feature to find your doppelgänger in famous paintings
Why It’s Useful: It’s a fantastic resource for art lovers, educators, and students interested in exploring culture and history from around the world.
8. Google Trends
Overview: Google Trends allows you to explore the popularity of search queries over time, across regions, and in various languages. It’s useful for tracking the latest trends and understanding public interest.
Key Features:
- Compare search interest between topics
- Real-time data on trending searches
- Regional and global insights
- Data export for deeper analysis
Why It’s Useful: Great for marketers, researchers, and content creators looking to understand trends and audience behavior.
These lesser-known Google tools offer a range of functionalities that can enhance productivity, creativity, and knowledge in various areas. Whether you’re organizing your tasks with Google Keep, conducting research with Google Scholar, or visualizing data with Google Data Studio, these tools are valuable additions to your digital toolbox. Explore these features to make the most out of what Google has to offer!