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November 21st, 2007

Google updates presentation application, still falls short

Posted by Garett Rogers @ 7:08 pm

Categories: Google Docs

Tags: Google Inc., Google Talk, Google Presentations, Instant Messaging, Microsoft Office, Internet, Online Communications, Office Suites, Software, Garett Rogers

You can’t expect a product to transform into something amazing overnight, but the set of “updates” made recently didn’t make any drastic improvements to the already less-than-spectacular service.

The new features include:

  • Selecting a background image or color
  • Organizing and reordering slides
  • Duplicating slides
  • Copying and pasting slides

Great, but who cares? I’m not suggesting Google needs to incorporate every feature of PowerPoint — look at Google Talk, it has a fraction of the features found in traditional IM clients, but it could still step up and compete with the rest.

What makes Google Presentations different then? Why am I picking on this product and not Google Talk? Well, it comes down to the features that are missing. The reason Google Talk could get away with only having a tiny subset of the most common functionality found in other clients is because the features omitted were annoying or unneeded to most people. Google Presentations is all but useless for practical purposes (most of which are business related) because the features you can’t find are useful and necessary.

I would love to hear what you think about Google Presentations. What features do you love, hate, and miss? Have you used the product for anything other than “testing it out”?

[Thanks Mariano!]

Garett RogersGarett Rogers is employed as a programmer for iQmetrix, which specializes in retail management software for the wireless industry. See his full profile and disclosure of his industry affiliations.


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  • Talkback
  • Most Recent of 7 Talkback(s)
RE: Google updates presentation application, still falls short
I agree Google's version of MS Powerpoint is lightweight. After using it for about a week now, I've abondoned the idea of using it for any type of presentation. I do use it frequently as a collaborative wipeboard to jot meeting outlines, notes, etc.. in a quick fashion.... (Read the rest)
Posted by: tnguyen@... Posted on: 11/28/07 You are currently: a Guest | | Terms of Use
Non-starter  croberts | 11/22/07
RE: Google updates presentation application, still falls short  Bunreasonable | 11/22/07
Google apps don't do much...  patibulo | 11/23/07
I've found Google Docs  mhenriday | 11/26/07
Needs at LEAST an export to PDF, but otherwise usable.  DonnieBoy | 11/23/07
Killer Feature  haraldf | 11/27/07
RE: Google updates presentation application, still falls short  tnguyen@... | 11/28/07

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