Google makes some changes to its Google Docs product and Google Spreadsheets promising faster service and real-time collaboration tools. Its also in process of launching new versions of Google Documents and Google’s forthcoming plans for its recently acquired DocVerse. The improvements will also enhance compatibility with offline products like Microsoft Word and Excel.
This change came as a step to drive away with Microsoft’s Office productivity suite with Google Docs, its free online word processor, spreadsheet, and presentation software. The upgrade will not be compatible for Google Gears in favour of HTML 5 for offline functionality starting May 3. For non-connected situation, the new foundation will take advantage of emerging standards within the HTML 5 specification to handle offline work in Docs. With new versions of Microsoft Office and SharePoint Server scheduled for release next month and a potentially expensive upgrade cycle about to begin for many Microsoft customers, the new version of Google Apps has not only changed the rules on what is meant by “document collaboration,” it has also changed one of the primary sticking points for many Microsoft customers considering a switch, limited interoperability with Office documents. Some basic editing features, too, have now made their way into Google Docs like margin ruler, better numbering and bullets, and more flexible image placement. Spreadsheets now have a familiar formula editing bar, cell auto-complete, drag-and-drop columns. The document editor will also check spelling as you type, just like Microsoft Word has done for some time. A new commenting system has also been added.
The new Google Docs will offer some mobile capabilities through the mobile web browser on Android, BlackBerry, and iPhone. You’ll be able to view documents and presentations and view and edit spreadsheets. The new versions of Google Docs’ document editor and spreadsheet apps will be available as opt-in previews to consumers and enterprise customers starting April 12.
Tags: document editor, google, google docs, google gears, google spreadsheets, Iphone, microsoft customers, mobile capabilities, office productivity suite