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"Google Docs" Gets Offline Feature

Techtree News Staff, Apr 28, 2008 1651 hrs IST

"Google Docs" uses 'Google Gears', an open-source browser extension that enables Web applications to run offline.

Google's initial target to make primary applications of "Google Docs" available offline is now complete. Offline editing of word processing documents, and offline viewing of spreadsheets and presentations was made available earlier. Now spreadsheets and presentations can also be edited offline. So, users will now be able to see an 'offline' link at the upper right hand corner of "Google Docs".

In case you're wondering how this works: Google explains that "Google Docs" uses Google Gears, an open-source browser extension that enables Web applications to run offline.

Even when users are not connected to the Internet, they can continue using (viewing and editing) word processing documents, as also viewing spreadsheets and presentations. Any changes made to the documents offline will be saved to the user's computer hard disk. When the user connects his computer to the Internet again, "Google Docs" will sync the changes that were made with "Google Docs" servers, which will then be made available to collaborators as well.

Other than offline features, "Google Docs" has introduced two more additions this weekend: speaker notes for presentations, and inserting YouTube videos into slides.

Google deems that the 'notes' feature will be particularly beneficial for experienced presenters who do not like any clutter while they present. This feature will allow presenters print speaker notes like talking points in advance, or pop them up in separate windows when presenting. Along with notes, users can now spruce up their presentations by adding YouTube videos to them. To add videos in slides, users need to paste the YouTube URL on the slide. And if the video is not on YouTube, there's a facility to upload a clip online through "Google Docs".

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USER COMMENTS

When are users NOT connected to the net nowadays?

by John Fredericks, Somwheresville CA, on Apr 29, 2008 01:22 AM, Report abuse   Reply

Sir...that is for people in Europe and US. You should check the scene in India ;)

by Pravin, Mumbai, on Apr 29, 2008 12:43 PM, Report abuse

In flights, When visiting partner companies with weird security policies that do not allow network access to your laptops, while on travel.

by P. Girish, Bangalore, on Feb 06, 2009 11:40 AM, Report abuse

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