Best known for its search engine, Google has developed a range of interesting and useful free tools. Here’s our pick of them
Google made its name as a search engine but, over the years, it has also built up a selection of free online tools. The benefits it offers range from a better way to find things online, to full-blown programs that rival expensive commercial software. In this article, we will introduce you to 10 of the best.
Before we delve into our top 10 Google tools, it’s best to point out that although most are based online and run within a browser, there are some that need to be downloaded and installed just like a standard application.
Most tools also require you to be logged into a Google account; if you don’t already have an account, create a free one at Google's website.
Translate
Google Translate is an incredibly easy-to-use service that recognises more than 50 different languages. All you need do is copy the text you want translated and paste it into the text box.
Translate will attempt to detect the source language for you but you can specify this if you prefer. The translation will then appear to the right; if it doesn’t, click the Translate button. Click the Listen button, and both the source and translated text will be read out loud.
If you have a large document to be translated, it’s also possible to upload a complete text file and have the whole thing translated in one go; just click the Translate a document link.
As with all automatic translation tools, results aren’t always perfect, but it’s a great way to get the gist of what foreign text says without having to spend time learning a new language. We wouldn’t advise using it to write emails and documents in a language you don’t speak, though.
Reader
Keeping track of the latest updates on your favourite websites isn’t always easy, and visiting each one at a time can be time-consuming. RSS feeds are a simple way to get quick and timely updates and are offered by the majority of websites. Google’s Reader tool helps out further by collating all your feeds into a single page, making it easy to stay on top of the news that’s pertinent to you.
