Google Drive Mobile App Icon 125Google Docs web based applications have been around for some time but now you can edit and create files offline with the new Google Docs, Google Sheets and updated Google Drive mobile Apps for iPad and Android.  Offline creation and editing was not an option under Google’s Cloud only based applications.  You previously had to edit your documents using a web browser on Google Drive.   Developing mobile apps that can be used while you are not connected to the Internet is a departure from Google’s typical philosophy of cloud based computing.  This interesting addition makes Google one step closer to competing with Microsoft’s recent release of Microsoft’s office for iPad software suite.  Of course, Google Docs, Google Sheets and Google Drive are all free as is Apple’s productivity app suite Pages, Numbers and Keynote.  Microsoft Office for iPad falls under an annual subscription model (currently $99.00/yr) as part of the Microsoft Office 365 model (see link for Microsoft office for iPad review & details below).   While Google Docs, Sheets and Drive are not as full featured as Microsoft Office for iPad, the price is much sweeter.  And, Google Slides is “coming soon”.

 

See the apps in action on ABC News App Chat:

Mobile App Details:

Google Drive App Features (new release):

  • Works seamlessly with the new Docs and Sheets apps
  • Automatically open docs from the drive ap. Create & edit files (Google Sheets and Docs)
  • Create and manage folders (share, remove, move, star, rename, copy link) (tip: must be online to work with folders)
  • View and edit docs offline (Google Sheets & Docs)
  • Passcode Lock:  Protect your drive using a passcode

Google Docs Mobile App Icon 60

Google Docs Screen Shot 300

 

Google Docs App Features:

  • View, create and edit docs online and offline
  • Format docs with a variety of formatting options (indents, bullets, colors, sizes, fonts, etc)
  • Share files with others
  • Collaborate and share comments on files
  • Print and delete files
  • Save files to Google Drive (only.  Cannot save to dropbox or other cloud services)

Google Sheets Mobile App Icon 60

Google Sheets App Features:

  • View, create and edit docs online and offline
  • Google Sheets Screen Shot 300Loads files and calculates faster
  • Format cells with a variety of formatting options
  • Add formula and functions
  • Share files and collaborate with others
  • Sort data in cells
  • Print and delete files
  • Save files to Google Drive (only.  Cannot save to dropbox or other cloud services)

Google Slides Features:

  • “Coming Soon”

Price:  Free!

System Requirements:  iOS 7 or Android

Direct Links for Download:

Google Drive:

Google Docs:

Google Sheets:

Google Slides:

  • “Coming Soon”

Related Links: