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New Google Apps Features Announced

Google Apps Features

Google announced on Friday the addition of several new features now incorporated in their suite of online office applications. They posted the announcement on their official blog, complete with a introductory YouTube video.

Google Docs Editors

Google added a number of upgrades to their document editor, including:

  • charater-by-character real-time collaboration
  • a ruler for custom margins and tab stops
  • higher quality file imports
  • better image placement
  • New to Google Spreadsheets are:
  • formula editing bar
  • auto-complete

Sharing

Google has made sharing an easier process with three options: public on the web, anyone with a link, and private. They also have a feature for sharing within an organization, which is configured by the organization’s administrators.

Blogger Template Designer

Another new feature that was previously previewed and is now available to all is the Blogger Template Designer. With it, users can choose from 19 stock templates and create customizations to suit their needs, including background images, colors, and layout manipulation.

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Google Maps Preview in Gmail and Buzz

Users can now view a preview map within any messages that contain addresses.

Apps Marketplace

In addition to the standard apps available from Google, Businesses can browse the Marketplace for third-party apps that enhance Google Apps.  Adding them is as simple as clicking a button.

It is no secret that Google has been in competition with Microsoft and their Microsoft Office suite. Undoubtedly, Microsoft’s move into the cloud with Office Live has added pressure on Google to give their apps the edge on Microsoft.  As such, we can expect more improvements and announcements from both organizations, as they compete for the loyalties of businesses and mobile (laptop and netbook) users.

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I am a librarian with 8 years of experience in information architecture, technology, free and open source software, and electronic publishing. I have written hundreds of articles on topics ranging from information technology to politics. I also write fiction novels, short stories, and fables.

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