Google Chrome on Mac and Linux

The latest release of Google Chrome is changing the way I use my browser. The latest release of Chrome has added bookmark sync and extensions, which at first glance, I didn't care much about. Then I started using it.

Bookmark sync is a very simple way to keep your bookmarks in sync on different computers. Very valuable if you use multiple computers, or even if you just want to make sure you have them archived somewhere. The bookmarks are stored inside of Google Docs. I have been unable to find the actual file in Google Docs, but that is where the storage for this sync file happens.

Chrome Extensions are life changing for me. I am constantly trying to keep up on my mail, calendar, facebook, reader, blogs, tasks, and contacts. On the Mac I had all of these things in separate applications. When I decided that I would try to do everything within the cloud it became more difficult. No heads-up display to speak of to keep me up on what is happening in each of these areas.

Chrome Extensions to the rescue. I added the extensions for the apps listed above, and most of these do two things. One is they notify you of application status. In the case of mail it will tell you when a new message arrives and two it will give you a quick view of that application and take you to the application if you like.

For GMail it tells me I have a new message, by clicking on the icon I am taken to my inbox.

Facebook gives me a quick look at my facebook feed and allows me to respond, post and update status. I love this because I can keep up on facebook now, without having to go to the facebook site. Nice!

Calendar tells me the next event I have on my calendar. Super handy since I normally forget to look at my calendar.

Tasks and Contacts get you there quick without having to be in Gmail or Calendar to access these items.

If you are a Google user then you owe it to yourself to check out Google Chrome and Extensions. This update has given me control over my data, in a super efficient manner. Nice job Google!

Get Google Chrome

Google Chrome, Buzz, DNS

The Google machine continues to amaze me. Google DNS to speed up our DNS lookups. Google Chrome, a new browser and soon a new Operating System, and now Google Buzz.

Google is finding ways to provide more and more services that we will want to use, so they can learn more about us, and ultimately be able to market to us, which brings value to their Adsense sales, which is how Google makes their money.

Google DNS 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4 is a classic Google product. It provides service to you, by speeding up your DNS lookups, but it also allows them to track the sites you go to. That is good for them, more info, more ways to market.

Google Chrome didn't make much sense to me until tonight, when I started loading extensions. Extensions allow me to tap all sorts of Google products easily, and also services like facebook. I think the key here however, is that it allows me quicker and easier access to Google products, which gets back to my point that everything they do is ultimately for marketing and making money.

Google Buzz - I like it for the fact that I am always in Google Land...the problem is that everyone else that I contact is on facebook. Will Google tie to facebook? I hope so, but I'm not sure.

What's next Google. You keep blowing my mind.