With the power of Google we can access the answers to almost any question we can think of, but by now, we all know: Google is far more than just a search engine. From mapping the most remote regions of the world to recreating it entirely in virtual reality, Google even developed a chatbot capable of debating the meaning of life, which it did in 2015.
As a company, it’s varied and useful applications come into play at almost every level of our lives. For the majority of us, the work that Google puts into designing and perfecting it’s tools yield plenty of other benefits aside from deep philosophical discourse. Here’s a few that we found that most useful!
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- Reverse Image Lookup
Ever wondered where your favourite wallpaper or photograph came from? Drag and drop an image from your computer into this search bar and Google will bring back other pages where the image appears!
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2. Books by [author]
Book recommendations are great, but they’re even better if you can remember the author’s name and title. Google can deliver a range of information about an author, including the full list of their published work.
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3. Atari Breakout
For those long hours spent researching for your final paper, try this sweet Google easter egg to help break the monotony. Type “Atari Breakout” into any Google image search to turn your search results into bricks you have to break (just like Arkanoid if you were more of an arcade gamer).
Every level you complete sets the game faster, so see how far you can go — I only got to 7.
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4. Unit Conversion
Full disclosure: measurement was always the worst subject for me when it came to mathematics. If only this existed when I was younger!
Not only can it convert mathematical units, but this definitely comes in handy around the kitchen for simple volume conversion metrics as well.
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5. Songs by [artist’s name]
Got a song on the tip of your tongue? Just one of many of life’s moments where Google comes in to save the day. Hammer in the name of the artist and Google will bring up their greatest hits.
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6. Movie Listings
Certainly more helpful than browsing through the Showtimes section of your local newspaper. Google will serve up a list of movies playing near the location you choose to enter into the search bar, and can even provide further benefits like Maps to show you how to get there.
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7. Movie Release Date
In providing film details, Google can also deliver release date information from your favourite flicks.
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8. [tv show] Episodes
For those times where you simply can’t be bothered to interrupt your binge watching to see how far left you’ve got to go in a season.
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9. Do A Barrel Roll!
You Starfox aces all know what to do. Issue this command in the search bar and Google will gladly oblige.
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10. Flight Info
Hands down one of my favourite personal assistance tools that Google has to offer. Type in the flight and airline you’re intending to take and make it to the gate on time, every time.
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11. Tip Calculator
Google can help you make sure to tip your servers (correctly). Never look cheap again!
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12. Zerg Rush
You’ll have to type this one into Google and see for yourself!
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13. Timer
Need to set a timer but don’t want to leave your computer? Open up the search bar, and here’s what you do:
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14. Weather, for Wherever
This is another one of Google’s tools that are completely essential for traveling. Pack for any situation ahead of time with a quick search!
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15. Find Any Founder
For some of the larger organizations on earth Google will provide you detailed information about that entity’s original founders, including famous quotes and other points of interest.
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16. Swedish Chef Google
For all you Muppets fans, change your Google-a Seerch Resoolts as though the Swedish Chef himself were reading them to you.
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17. Google Translate
File this one under ‘Travel’ – fair enough to say that not all of these translations can be accurate, but you’ll at least get the gist from Google.
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18. Google Your Very Own Festivus Pole
A Google Festivus for the rest of us!
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19. Save Maps & Routes Offline
A must-have if you are traveling on foot for long periods of time. Follow this handy set of instructions from Google to learn how to save and retrieve your maps offline.
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20. Sunrise/Sunset
Anywhere in the world, Google will pinpoint the hour the sun rises and sets.
