Free Google apps worth exploring

Posted on Monday February 13, 2017

Google Play has a wealth of applications that you can wyopend a whole day exploring. But with numerous categories and hundreds of apps available on Google's App Store, looking for productivity-increasing tools may be too time-consuming. Sifting through dozens of potentially helpful apps amidst a bunch of barely useful ones might not be the best use of your time, so we did the choosing for you. And since they're free, there's no need to add them to your wishlist.

Chrome Remote Desktop

This cross-platform app provides a tremendous benefit in terms of support. If you need remote assistance, you can grant someone temporary access to your desktop and revoke access once the issue has been resolved. The other benefit is being able to access your own desktop from any of your mobile devices (smartphone, tablet, Chromebook) to work on files or use programs. Simply install the Google Chrome extension, assign a pin for remote access, and start sharing.

Trusted Contacts

It's a dangerous world out there, which is why location-sharing apps such as Trusted Contacts are heaven sent. With Trusted Contacts, you can request a location from, or share yours with, a contact who's also using the app. Location sharing has long been part of most apps with a GPS functionality, but what sets Trusted Contacts apart is its ability to send a person's location even when offline. In instances when a person's location is requested and there's no answer within 5 minutes, the app automatically sends the contact's last known location.

Google Handwriting Input

Typing on smartphones isn't easy for everyone, and that's why enhancements such as Swype are a welcome feature to touchscreen keyboards. Google Handwriting Input works like Swype, but is more flexible and doesn't require precise strokes. You can ‘handwrite' your IMs and text messages, perform searches, and even create emojis, using your finger or a stylus. This app may not seem like much, but it can be quite useful for those who communicate in languages with special characters.

Google Trips

Organizing business or leisure travel is taxing, and having to use multiple apps just adds to the chaos. Google Trips reduces your travel hassles by putting all data -- such as itinerary, hotel location, available transportation, and other trip-related info -- into one app and letting you access it online or offline. It also provides recommendations on popular attractions, day trips, and things to do based on the itineraries and other travel-related information you've stored in your Gmail.

The answer to some of your business's most pressing needs may be hidden in plain sight in the App Store. We're constantly on the lookout for process-enhancing apps and tools, so we know which solutions are best for you. Contact us today for advice.