Chrome to Phone, Google Docs updates

Monday, 13 February 2012

Chrome to Phone, Google Docs updates

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It’s days like these when we know Google has our back. They’re constantly working to make all their services better. Today, the Search Giant has released solid updates to two of their services – Google Docs and Chrome to Phone. These updates include some aesthetic improvements for both phones and tablets, as well as offline availability for your documents.

Chrome to Phone

This new update comes with a rehashed look to the interface. Mostly, the minimalist arrows make it much sharper and more sleek. It might be a bit different for those who don’t have Android 4.0, though. When I tested the update on an HTC Thunderbolt with Gingerbread, the arrows still had the older look.

The guys from Android Central have a much different look, though. And it might be due to the software differences of Ice Cream Sandwich.

The UI is still missing the new unified Ice Cream Sandwich look. It would be great if Google could integrate the same updated look to all of its apps, including this one. Instead of the image on top, it could be a bar with options, the search button and the menu button, much like Google Docs (image below) and many other apps out there.

The update also includes a fix to the crashes when copying text, which is definitely welcome. Also, if you’re a landscape user, you might be happy to know that this feature has been included to Chrome to Phone as well.

Google Docs

Google Docs saw a more exciting update this time around. Many of our tablets are WiFi-only. This means that we find ourselves without an internet connection much of the time, in which case you can’t access or edit documents from Google Docs.

This update adds offline usability to Google Docs. Simply choose which documents you want to be able to access offline, and they become available wherever you might be.

As with all Google Services in Android, this app is meant to be easy to work with. Basically, after you choose a document to be available offline, the app syncs automatically whenever possible. You can make any changes to a document, and the changes will be updated as soon as the tablet hits internet connectivity. (This can also be done manually).

This would be very helpful for tablet users who are constantly working on their documents. Go ahead and work; the changes will be automatically updated when possible, creating a much more unified experience. That’s not the only new feature in this update, though.

There’s also a new feature for tablet users. Now when you open a document (while online) you will see a “high-resolution” version. This has much of a magazine feel. You can swype left and right through the pages, displaying all your hard work.

Wrap-Up

Keep them coming, Google! If you want to check out these new updates, go ahead and get them straight from the Android Market. We have posted the links below for your convenience. Be sure to let us know what you think.

Google Chrome to PhoneGoogle Inc.MARKETQR

Google DocsGoogle Inc.MARKETQR

Source: Google Mobile Blog

Hello, I am Edgar Cervantes. I am an avid Android fan, and keeping myself updated on the topic is part of my daily life. I will always work hard to give the best of me to our community of Android enthusiasts, and I am very honored to be part of this ship. Hopefully we can all enjoy sharing our knowledge and opinions! Tagged#chrome to phone#Gogole#Gogole Docs#tablet#update .nrelate .nr_sponsored{ left:0px !important; }.nrelate .nr_sponsored{ left:0px !important; } 16 Comments Join the discussion!Sort by DateRating

93jaxidian 14 hours ago Thumb upThumb down +1

It’s about time that Chrome-to-Phone gets updated! Other than TiBu, that’s the first app I install every time I flash a ROM. It’s worked great on my phone but has been annoying without landscape support on my tablet.

72Jeff Pan 13 hours ago Thumb upThumb down 0

yeah a must have app!

AndroGuest 6 hours ago Thumb upThumb down 0

And still Chrome to Phone is not available for India. WTF :|

95Thomas Biard 14 hours ago Thumb upThumb down +1

It took me forever to jump on the Chrome-To-Phone party bus, but I’m glad I did. So much handier than all my previous methods. So much cross platform integration! So much fun!

Glad for the update to both.

92spazby 14 hours ago Thumb upThumb down 0

it took forever for chrome to phone… offline docs is a welcome addition

Nate B.Guest 14 hours ago Thumb upThumb down 0

Chrome to phone still doesn’t work. For me anyways. The desktop always says “redirecting” and stays there. It’s been like that for months and still is.

4ntan97 14 hours ago Thumb upThumb down 0

was very excited for the docs update for honeycomb, tried it out on my A100 and i am not seeing many of the new UI tweaks for tablets. Wondering if this is a compatibility thing with 7 inchers or what…

45amgala 14 hours ago Thumb upThumb down 0

Finally offline doc support! Two thumbs up!

3baywalk 14 hours ago Thumb upThumb down 0

Offline usability is awesome

7EolianPipes 14 hours ago Thumb upThumb down 0

I’m so glad to see that Google is constantly updating these. It always worries me when Google doesn’t update their own apps very consistently. These are huge steps forward!

93pekosROB 14 hours ago Thumb upThumb down 0

This is awesome with the Google Docs. Wasn’t someone just saying in a post recently how Google Docs for tablets needs to get a face lift? Or was that from some other website? Talk about foreshadowing!