Google introduces screen reader function to Docs, Sheets, and Slides apps on mobile

Using Google’s productivity apps on mobile pose a bit of a challenge, to be honest. Google is hoping to remedy that with its latest updates for iOS and Android. Now, Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides support Android TalkBack and iOS VoiceOver, screen readers that are meant to help visually impaired read words on the app. Documents now also have real-time spell check, spreadsheets can hide rows and columns, and presentations can lump similar shapes together. If you’re using an iPhone or iPad, you can use fingerprint unlock to keep your private files away from nosy colleagues. The update should be up on both iTunes and Play Store.

Source: Google Docs Blog | Via: Engadget

Google Docs and Sheets now support iPhone 6 and 6 Plus

Google has updated its Docs and Sheets apps for the iOS to add support for the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus. Aside from that, Google Docs gets some new features, too. Users can view and edit tablets in Google Docs as well. Accessibility support has been improved including an enhanced ability to use Braille displays for reading and editing and VoiceOver support when using Bluetooth keyboards.

Source: iMore | Download: Google Docs (Free) + Google Sheets (Free)

Google brings Slides to iOS, adds Office compatibility to productivity apps

It took a while but Google has finally ported its Slides presentation editor and viewer to the iPhone and iPad. Along with the new app, the tech company also updated its Docs and Sheets apps to allow for Microsoft Office compatibility. This means you can open your Office documents in these apps. The Office compatibility is also available on Google Slides.

Source: Gigaom

Google Drive update pushes users to download standalone apps to edit files

Google is taking the fight to the mobile version of Microsoft Office with its new update for Drive. The former cloud storage and document editing app now just serves as cloud storage for your documents and files. If you want to edit your files, you will be prompted to download the standalone Docs or Sheets (depending on the file type). A standalone Slides app for presentations will be coming soon as well.

This might inconvenience you at first but the separate editing apps bring the possibility of offline editing and Drive now supports password-protect access to your cloud storage. The update has rolled out on the iOS version of the app and will be coming out for Android soon.

Source: The Verge