My favourite Google Products

Salam. Google has been one of the biggest internet company in the world. Google is not a search engine on the internet, they also provide lots of product and services for the internet users. So, in this entry, I just want to share about Google products that I’ve use all these while. I try to list them chronologically.

1. Blogger

My first blogging platform was Blogger in 2004. I still keep my blogspot account and update Warna Kehidupan from time to time. (Source)

2. Picasa

My friend Faiz introduced me with Picasa software in 2004. It is one of the best photo manager with basic photo editing and touch up, slideshow creator and cool timeline photo browsing. I can say that it is like an iPhoto for Windows. However, I don’t like Picasa because it slows down my computer. But now, after the introduction of Picasaweb and Picasa 3 in November 2008, I started to love Picasa once again. The synchronization and easy upload from your computer to the server is the cool feature and the best thing is the Picasa Photo Viewer! (Source)

3. SketchUp

“SketchUp is a 3D modeling program designed for architects, civil engineers, filmmakers, game developers, and related professions”. I’ve learned SkethchUp 5 on my own be creating digital version of studio project, Environmental Design from Matric UIA. In 2005, SkethchUp was owned by @Last Software. Google had announced SketchUp 6 in April 2006. Now, you can download SketchUp 7 and share thousands 3D models from 3D Warehouse. (Source)

4. Youtube

Youtube is a popular video sharing website. I’ve joined Youtube since September 23, 2005. At that time, I just want to share my video when performing experimental band, Art@Rasta. I’m not good at it and I’ve received lots of critics. Well, that what Youtube is meant for. Google bought Youtube in November 2006. (Source)

5. Google Earth

This is truly a blessing for KAED students especially for architecture, landscape and urban designers. Google Earth helps students for site analysis, site map and others. However, I installed Google Earth and use it for video presentation. I love to see how the world spins and how it shows and zoom into the specific location.

6. Google Adsense

I’m not sure when I’ve started my Adsense account. I’m not good at it but I just want to give it a try. In case you don’t know, its like the Nuffnang-ads-on-blog thing. You put the ad, people click on the ad and you get some penny. I’ve always wanted to click on the link to see what’s the ad is all about. But Google warn me not to do it otherwise it will block my account.

7. Feedburner

It is where I manage my blog feed subscription. I’m not sure when I’ve started but then in June 2007, Feedburner was acquired by Google. (Source)

8. Gmail

I’ve been a loyal user of Yahoo Mail before. In April 2008, I’ve opened a Gmail account. I love the interface design, unlike Yahoo. Gmail is relatively faster and I love the keyboard shortcuts when reading emails. The conversation style makes Gmail looks neat and tidy.

9. iGoogle

iGoogle is a customized version of Google search page. I don’t really use iGoogle but I love to see the custom theme design everytime I launch Firefox. I’ve started using it since 2008.

10. Google Talk

Google Talk is an instant messaging application by Google. By default, Gtalk is available on the side pane of Gmail. I’ve installed it on my computer but there are only few of my friend who uses Google Talk. So, I still prefer Yahoo Messenger over Gtalk.

11. Google Calendar

I’ve started using Google Calendar since June 2008. It is better to have an online calendar because I can access to it anywhere anytime. This is where I put the birthday reminders of my friends, activities, events and my academic activities. The cool thing about the calendar is you can share it with anyone. Click here to view my calendar.

12. Google Reader

Google Reader is a RSS feed reader, which makes reading blog easier. Initially, I used a RSS reader software. But its hard to track which entry that I’ve read or not. That’s the weakness of desktop application. Beginning in September 2008, I’ve started to subscribe RSS feed using Google Reader.

13. Google Friend Connect

Following feature was introduced by Blogger in August 2008. In February 2009, it integrated with Google Friend Connect. By this time, there are only 40 followers in Warna Kehidupan and 119 followers in IIUM Bloggers.

14. Google Chrome

Google Chrome is introduced in September 2008. It is an internet browser just like Internet Explorer and Firefox. Chrome is the fastest browser compared to its rival at that time. However, I still prefer Firefox as my main internet browser.

15. Google Docs

I’ve started using Google Docs since February 2009. Google Docs is where you save your office documents such as Word documents and excel spreadsheets and you can edit them anywhere. This is because you can save them on the internet. Besides that, you can also share the files with your friend if you want them to read or edit the file.

16. Google Maps

Not all computer has Google Earth installed. This is where Google Maps is very useful. Its my own personal GPS machine. I look for the address and locate it first before I hit the road. I also has created map to my friends’ house so that I can visit them during Hari Raya soon.

17. Google Translate

Sometimes, I need to get a translation for some word or a website. This is where Google Translate really useful. However, its sad to see that there’s no translation for Malaysia language yet. C’mon Google, we have lots of translators in Malaysia. I believe they would love to work with you.

18. Webmaster Tools

I’ve started Webmaster Tools since September 2008. I was told that it can help Google index my blog and other website easily by submitting my sitemap. Besides that, I also can check how Google list my blog and what search queries from Google website. Pretty cool eh?

19. Google Desktop

This is the latest sensation to my Google products family. Basically Google Desktop is just a search software that index the files in your computer. But, it has other cool feature that you should know which is the sidebar and its widgets. Before this I installed Yahoo Widgets but it slowed down my computer. After seeing Vista with the cool Windows Sidebar, I think I need that on my machine too. Well, beginning on June 2009, I’ve installed Google Desktop on both my desktop and laptop.

One thing for sure, most of the Google products is very cool, fast loading, creative, innovative and it touches many hearts including me. What’s next? Google Wave perhaps!

P/S – Are you Google enough?