Article by Phil Smulian

Google Docs has made some great new changes to its functions and features, making it even more user-friendly. Online editing with Google Docs is now available on your phone, provided you have an Android or iOS device. The app now has real-time syncronisation so that people can see what you add as and when you do so.

Users have been asking about the editing function (or lack thereof) on Google Docs documents for their phones since the first Android devices were launched. Up until now, mobile users were limited to viewing Google Docs only. Now you can edit, provided you are using the latest version of Android or have already defected to Apple.

Being able to use the edit function from your phone will prove very useful – you can change your shopping list in the aisles, catch up on work while you wait for the bus or in queues, and keep a mobile to-do list. Your edits will appear in real-time, and edits that someone else makes on their browser will appear too, which means working collaboratively on a project doesn’t necessarily mean you both have to find time on your busy schedule to meet.

The application is becoming more and more useful – you can even enter text using your voice (limited to Android users). Mobile Excel spreadsheets open in list view for easy managing. Working from your phone is becoming a lot easier and even enjoyable. Better time management and efficiency are just two of the great effects of Google Docs’ new system.

The online editor is being rolled out now, so should be available to everyone within the next few days. While this function for phones will enhance the mobile experience greatly, editing is very much an online experience so you won’t be able to use it during flights. However, in the case of someone who travels often and wants to utilise their time in the air as sufficiently as possible the Documents To Go application will work well. The package offers syncronisation with Google Docs as a download-edit-upload process which is a better option for those places with no connectivity.