Google Docs Gets New Productivity Features

Google announced the launch of some new tools for Google Docs and related tools including a new research feature, voice transcription improvements, a new Explore feature for Sheets, a refresh for Goog...
Google Docs Gets New Productivity Features
Written by Chris Crum
  • Google announced the launch of some new tools for Google Docs and related tools including a new research feature, voice transcription improvements, a new Explore feature for Sheets, a refresh for Google Forms, and a “see new changes” option.

    “Whether you’re an agency researching creative ideas for a client pitch or a bakery brainstorming names for your newest dessert, pulling the wealth of information from Google search into your docs can transform them from interesting to inspiring,” says engineering director Jude Flannery. “With the new Research feature in the Docs Android app, you’ll notice there’s less than half the steps previously needed to pull quotes, facts and images from Google search into your – in fact you’ll never even have to leave the app.”

    “Voice typing has helped change the way we work on the go (when it’s easier to talk than type),” Flannery adds. “We’re now bringing that innovation to the web, where improvements to voice transcription make even long-form dictation, like sharing your brainstorming ideas with teammates around the world, a breeze. In fact, it even supports more than 40 different languages, so it’s also handy for practicing your language skills. To start, just turn on voice typing from the tools menu in Google Chrome.”

    The new Explore feature in Sheets is aimed at helping users “visualize, summarize, and interpret” data. You can select data, open the feature (on web/Android) and see charts and text-based insights.

    The Forms refresh includes new themes and a way to add your own photo or logo. It also lets you choose from various question types and add images/gifs to forms.

    There are actually a bunch of new templates for the Docs, Sheets, and Slides homescreens.

    The “see new changes” option appears in Docs, and shows the most recent changes made by anyone collaborating on the document.

    Image via Google

    Get the WebProNews newsletter delivered to your inbox

    Get the free daily newsletter read by decision makers

    Subscribe
    Advertise with Us

    Ready to get started?

    Get our media kit