The Power User's Guide to Google Apps
Posted 03/12/10 at 09:19:10 AM by Gina Trapani
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Using just a small fraction of Google's vast application offerings? That's about to end!
Remember that old maxim that says we use only about 10 percent of our brain’s capacity? It’s been proven as hokum by modern neuroscience, but we think we can safely apply the same basic analogy to Google: The vast, vast, vast majority of computer users—even those practiced in hardcore nerdery—are almost certainly using a pitiful fraction of all the applications and features intrinsic to Google’s ever-expanding matrix of software code.
Sure, a Maximum PC reader may be well-versed in Google’s advanced search operators (Google allintext: “advanced search operators” if you missed that chapter), but we’re willing to wager that even the most curious among you haven’t taken the time to play with more than a few Google applications, let alone explore all their advanced features. Indeed, Google HQ is a fan-friggin’-amazing hotbed of R&D, but its developers are relatively quiet about the tools they’ve released. And that’s a shame, because Google’s constant innovation should get more press.
To address your inevitable Google knowledge deficit, we commissioned Gina Trapani to share her favorite tips. Gina launched Lifehacker.com, writes about Google for a bazillion media outlets, co-hosts the “This Week In Google” netcast, and pretty much makes it her job to know as much as possible about Google’s sundry apps and features.
Want even harder hardcore tips? Or did we leave out an application you really want to know about? Send your requests to comments@maximumpc.com. Oh, and by the way: Google Buzz was announced literally minutes before this article went to press. But we’ll certainly cover this app in a future issue—because if there’s one thing this world needs, it’s more social media options. FTW! —Jon Phillips
Maps
Google Maps (http://maps.google.com) is a mapping application and route planner that provides driving, walking, and public transit directions from your starting point to one or more destinations. Launched in 2005, Maps is based on technology created at Australian startup Where2 by brothers Lars and Jens Rasmussen (currently the lead engineers on Google Wave). Along with Gmail, Google Maps was one of the first web apps to extensively use Ajax, a JavaScript programming technique that updates map imagery as you pan and zoom, all without reloading the page.
Preview Which Streets Made Street View's Cut
The abundance of blue lines shows us that Google's Street View van covered Las Vegas pretty well, but didn't venture very far into the desert.
Not only does Google Maps display aerial imagery in Satellite view, it also offers a huge database of on-the-ground photos via Street View. To switch to Street View from the basic map screen, drag and drop the yellow “pegman” from the top of the zoom control onto the map. When you do, blue lines appear on the streets where ground imagery is available (throughout the United States and in select other countries). Drop the pegman onto the road of your choice, walk down the street by clicking the navigational arrows, and double-click any area of a photo to zoom in on it. Some images are so clear, you can read the hours on No Parking signs.
In-Car Navigation? In Maps Help, search “Using Maps with your navigation device” to learn how to send directions straight from Google Maps to your TomTom, Garmin, BMW, or Mercedes navigation systems.
Add Local Color to Your Map
Click a few boxes, and Google’s View of New York City becomes absolutely silly with user-contributed photos and videos. And when you switch to Street View, you’ll be able to peruse your More choices in a thumbnail gallery.
Don’t miss out on the brave new world beyond the Map, Satellite, Terrain, and Street View features in Google Maps. Under the More button (located between the Traffic and Satellite buttons on the top-right of a map), you can overlay links to photos, videos, Wikipedia articles, webcams, transit maps (in some cities), and real estate listings. This feature is perfect when you want to know the history of a monument, find open homes for your Sunday real estate tour, or see what’s happening on the local zoo’s “panda cam.”
Check Traffic to Avoid the Madness!
Using predictive analysis of data collected from road sensors and GPS-equipped mobile phones, Google’s Traffic function gives you a color-coded snapshot of how road conditions might shape up.
Before you start the car, check for clogged arteries by clicking the Traffic button. By default you’ll see live, current traffic conditions—anonymously collected from drivers’ mobile devices—but you can change the day and time to see extrapolated predictions. To do so, in the Traffic pop-up click the Change link, and set the day and time of your departure. Things looking bad out there? Well, when you get directions in Google Maps, you can always opt for an alternate route by clicking and dragging the suggested route to another road. Or you could opt to ditch the car entirely: Click the Public Transit or Walking link on the right panel below the starting point and destination to see how you can get there by bus, train, trolley, or on foot.
Next up, Google Docs!
I want to get these google
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No mention of google buzz? I thought it would warrant at least a small box in the article
Submitted by PnkPwrRngr on Sat, 03/13/2010 - 4:57pm
The link at the top of the website sends you to the digg site, not the actual article.
Submitted by Scootiep on Fri, 03/12/2010 - 10:01am
I still find Google far more usable and reflective of my personal tastes than Bing. Nice article guys, thanks for the read.
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Submitted by stacyfariot12 on Fri, 04/09/2010 - 3:15am
Until google looses that crappy scroll nonsense in picasa, I stick with xnview...
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Submitted by sirphunkee on Fri, 03/12/2010 - 8:21am
I believe it's been retired from labs, per a posting on the Google blog a week or so ago...and this article was written well before that
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Why can't I find the Forgotten Attachment Detectorin Labs? Anyone else able to see it?
.
Submitted by Vano on Fri, 03/12/2010 - 6:57am
Until google looses that crappy scroll nonsense in picasa, I stick with xnview...
Submitted by wkstar on Fri, 03/12/2010 - 2:51am
This article took up at least half the printed magazine. I have the feeling that the words - Advertisment - should have been at the Top & Bottem of every page. Did Google pay you for this ?
Submitted by bjoswald on Fri, 03/12/2010 - 2:11am
Bing blows.
It has crappy commercials, a weird description, and doesn't provide anything Google doesn't.
Thanks anyway.
Submitted by TheKhaos24 on Thu, 03/11/2010 - 10:20pm
Come on now, We all know that bing spanks google.
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