Google; Not just a search engine

Google has been embedded so firmly in the software of our life that it is difficult to imagine life without it. Countless times do we pick up our screens to “google” something. 

Originally developed as a prototype in the dorm rooms of computer scientists Larry Page, Sergey Brin, and Scott Hassan in 1998, Google has emerged as the most viewed website in the world handling 3.5 billion searches in a day and a 92% share of the global search engine market. The company launched Google News in 2002, Gmail in 2004, Google Maps in 2005, Google Chrome in 2008, and Google Voice assistant in 2016. 

On Google’s 23rd Birthday, let us recount Google features that have revolutionized the world:

Google Maps: Launched in 2006, Google Maps has made revolutionized travel around the world. Getting lost, asking for direction does not apply anymore. With Google Maps, people are free to travel on their own, with faraway destinations just a click away. 

Not only does it guide the way, but tells the suggested time of reaching over different modes of travel, takes account of traffic and congestion to help commuters in all possible ways free of cost. It has made everyone a hyperlocal expert with the knowledge of the nearest petrol pumps, cafes and grocery stores. Think of the vast possibilities that Google maps have provided with radio cab services such as Uber and Ola running on maps. Moreover, tourism applications like Airbnb or WhatsApp location sharing, all are possible through Google maps. 

Google Pay: On January 8, 2018, the old Android Pay and Google Wallet unified into a single pay system called Google Pay. Directly linked with your bank account, google pay has become the one-stop platform to pay the neighbouring tea seller, to direct bank transfer to a relative far away. It provides direct rewards, allows shopping online with secure payment at your fingertips.

Google Forms: Google forms has made research simple for scholars around the world. Who knew surveys could be performed from home, with Google allowing us to create questionnaires with multiple types of questions, listing the results in sheets and analyzing them for our convenience. Moreover, quizzes, practice sheets can be made possible through google forms. It also has wide application in collecting multiple data entries. 

Google voice assistant: Google voice assistant launched in 2016 has made information run through just a command. It has found acceptance far and wide, not only on its own hardware but through partnerships with other companies linked to Google Assistant in a huge range of devices such as fridges and headphones to speakers and cars. 

Google voice assistant is capable of providing interactional solutions: controls your devices and your smart home, Access information from your calendars and other personal information, find information online, from restaurant bookings to directions, weather and news, make appointments and send messages, Read your notifications to you and provide Real-time spoken translations.

Google Classroom: After the pandemic, Google has also taken over the physical study classroom, with classes taking place over the web. Google classroom allows a platform for teachers to upload study materials, create assignments while students can submit them in a time-bound manner. Classes could take place through its connected Google meet.

Google Business Listing: Google allows young business owners to expand their reach through Google business listing. Owners can post pictures, add descriptions about what makes their venture unique to attract more traffic. Moreover, Google my business account comes with inbuilt features such as analytics, reflecting peak hours, best content. Such tools are bring used by small and big businesses alike.