Who  hasn’t uttered the phrase ‘if it makes life easier?’. Anything that can in fact make life just that little bit easier, whether it’s saving time and/or money, it’s definitely worth a go. Although burdensome in lots of ways, the tech in our pockets can simplify and hasten results in many ways  and Google, which has a ton of features beyond the search engine, can help clear some brain space and get results faster.  Here are just some of our favourite features: 

I used this to identify a plant species recently and since then, it’s been my go-to for a lot of things; from where to buy an item I’ve seen but no clue where it is from, to marks on the inside of my pans and how to treat it. It’s also a good shopping feature: It can help save you time by presenting all the different places you can buy it, and for what price, enabling you to quickly find the item you want, for the best price. 

There are so many apps on the market that charge a fortune for this, especially when it comes to plants – I know, I have tried them! But in all honesty, I am a plant novice so I often need to identify a species of something or other, identify potential issues and importantly, how to care for them. This app has been a game-changer for that. 

A new feature: Lens now also integrates with generative AI, allowing for more conversational and complex queries. For example, you can point your camera at a complicated math problem and ask Lens for a step-by-step explanation- ideal when helping your little ones with their maths homework (they seem to change the means to calculate often it seems!). The integration of “Nano Banana” (an image editing model) allows you to also edit and transform photos directly in search. 

How to access: Go to the Google app, or google.com, and look for the little camera icon in the search bar. Either, take a picture, or upload a picture and add any particular search terms you want. 

Google Gemini – AI 

I use the Google Gemini AI tool for various projects: It’s helped me to flesh out a recipe from a short list of ingredients for my granddads Elderflower Champagne to get specific quantities etc., and it’s becoming a go-to tool for effortless party planning. It can also help you create the right message to pop in a card when you’re struggling to find the right words, to helping you budget and manage finances better. 

It’s also been an incredible time saver for a few things: I have recently had reason to complain about my washing machine, I am at the end of my tether with it in all honesty, and although I am more than confident in drafting a comprehensive and strong worded letter, it can take me time to do so concisely. In less than 5 minutes, I had a full letter ready to send! 

Just in time for Christmas: If you’re hosting, take all the stress out of having to figure out quantities of food & drink needed, of having to worry about getting the timings right and simply pose it to Gemini! Include the following details in your search query:

  • How many guests you’re hosting.
  • Specific dietary requirements, or traditions you’d like to follow. 
  • How many courses you need, or occasions you need to feed everyone. Include: Breakfast, buffets etc. 
  • Ask what can be prepared in advance and when and ask it to outline the timings for preparing Christmas dinner on the day. You will also need to include the size of the roast so it can work this out – but don’t forget to double check these! 

It can also take care of the entertainment for you, too. It can make up games, in any parameters you choose, or you can ask it to give you a rundown of popular games you could buy in – to save money, you could always look for these on Marketplace or eBay! 

How to access: Google Gemini has its own app and its own landing page! Go to gemini.google.com or download the app in your app store. 

Google Sheets and Google Docs

Create, edit and collaborate on documents and spreadsheets from any device, without a subscription! Although Windows has a web-based version of Word and Excel, etc., this can be tricky to navigate across multiple devices without the paid-version. The Google versions are similar, though not exact and some functionality will take a little adjusting, but it is far easier to access and work from, wherever you are. Additionally, it’s all cloud-based and saves as it goes so you rarely lose your work. These tools are particularly helpful when it comes to managing household communication and finances, in addition to work-based functionality, too. 

How to access: Access from the grid button, in the top right of your Chrome browser, or you can download the individual apps to your phone. 

Google Calendar 

As everyone has their own devices now, setting up a family calendar, so everyone knows where everyone is at any given time, is a no-brainer. For multi-device households, the Google Calendar enables you to set up a “Family” calendar to schedule events, set reminders, and share your availability – all without the back-and-forth communication. 

How to access: Access from the grid button in the top right of your Chrome browser, or you can download the individual apps to your phone. 

  1. Create a Google Family Group and add family members
  2. A Family Google Calendar is automatically created and you’ll find it in Google Calendar

Google Photo & Google Drive

Did you know that you get 15GB in free storage on Google (across Drive, Gmail and Photos)? Ideal for storing your most cherished memories and most important documents. Whether your phone is running out of space, or you need a secure spot to put the most important things, Google storage can alleviate some of that stress. 

How to access: Access from the grid button, in the top right of your Chrome browser, or you can download the individual apps to your phone.

We want to hear from you: Were any of these tools, and their use, new to you? Let us know in the comments below. 

Featured image: jittawit21, Canva

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