I previously thought that apps can be found only in the realm of the iPhone. I have to admit that my view on the capabilities of an internet browser was so narrow and that I settled using Internet Explorer since time immemorial. Little did I know that these fantastic apps are what sets Google Chrome apart. And the best part about it? Just like the best things in life, they are free.
My Google Chrome Dashboard
Let me take you through the first 6 apps that are installed in my Google Chrome:
1. Offline Google Mail
Check your e-mail at your own time, whenever you want it. Convenient? We're only getting started.
"Gmail Offline beta is a Gmail app built to support offline access, allowing mail to be read, responded to, searched and archived without network access. After first start-up, Gmail Offline will automatically synchronize messages and queued actions anytime Chrome is running and an Internet connection is available. More than just an offline app, the streamlined user interface, based off Gmail’s popular tablet interface, provides extremely fast response time with a pure, email focused experience."https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/ejidjjhkpiempkbhmpbfngldlkglhimk?hl=en-US&hc=hp&hcp=pop-all
Mind mapping - simple, flexible, and easy.
"Thoughtboxes is a simple tool that helps to organize your thoughts so you can make things happen. You can keep track of just about anything, and share your thoughts with friends.
Thoughtboxes combines the structure of lists with the flexibility of mind maps in a deceptively simple package."
3. Quicknote
Notepad's cousin - only a lot more slicker.
"Quick Note is especially designed for lightweight note-taking. You can use it as a simple notepad, scratchpad, clipboard, or to record to do lists."
4. Google Books
Books, books, and more books. Being a certified book junkie, this one is a real catch. And take note of the power of the Cloud, which this app utilizes.
"It's time to set your reading free. With Google eBooks, you can use just about any device you own to read any book, anywhere.
- Millions of books in every imaginable category, from the New York Times ® bestsellers to favorite classics
- Nearly 3 million free ebooks available instantly
- Hundreds of thousands of ebooks for purchase"
5. Google Docs
Left your USB at home? Left your laptop in the office? No problem. You will never leave a file behind.
"Edit your online documents from any computer.
- Offline access: read your documents and spreadsheets without an internet connection."
- Offline access: read your documents and spreadsheets without an internet connection."
6. Audiotool
Wow, that's all I can say. For free? Are you kidding me? I drooled upon seeing this app for the first time. The frustrated inner DJ in me just woke up again. Looks like I'll be counting the hours with this nifty little app really soon.
"Audiotool is a powerful online music production studio right in your browser.
You can create melodies using our amazing Pulverisateur synthesizer or go completely crazy with the Rasselbock. Audiotool lets you create your own sounds by wiring more than fourteen different effects together with one of our three drum machines or synthesizers. There are endless possibilities."
Those are just the first 6 apps to get me started; needless to say, there is a whole lot more. Seems like the idea of living alone in an island nowadays isn't so hard as long as you have your trusted smartphone or tablet with you, plus all of these amazing apps from Google Chrome. Hmm, but how will you get electricity anyway?
