5 things you didn’t know you could ask Google to do
Lisa Du is director of ReadyTechGo, a service that helps people gain the confidence and skills to embrace modern technology.
Google can do so much more than just search. Here are five more ways you can get more out of the world’s most powerful search engine.
1. Percentages
A calculator that does most of the work for you!Google can act as a calculator by simply typing in the maths you want to figure out! The most use of this is figuring out percentages. Sure it's easy enough to figure out 50% of 100, but what about 28.5% of 325? Just type it into Google and it'll show you that it is 92.625.
2. Timers
Google can act as a timer for you just by asking. All you need to do is type in "Timer" and the amount of time you want to set it too. For example, we can set a timer for 4 minutes and 30 seconds. Make sure you don't close the window the timer is on or else it won't sound! The timer won't sound as well if you have your sound muted so make sure it's on if you want to use the timer.
3. Word definitions
Ever come across a tricky word while browsing the internet and not sure what it means? Google can help with that! More often than not you can type that tricky word into Google and it'll show you it's definition.
If the definition doesn't come up you can always type "Define" before the word to make sure.
If for some reason google can't define the word, don't worry, as Google is still a search engine and various dictionary websites will have appeared.
4. Convert measurements
How far is 100 meters in yards? What about how heavy is 30lbs in kg? How fast is 100mph in m/s?
Each of these can be answered with our good friend Google by typing "Convert [X MEASUREMENT] to [Y MEASUREMENT]"
Google can't do the impossible though, like converting a distance into weight.
5. Convert currencies
Converting between currencies can often be troublesome as exchange rates change all the time.
Not with Google! Since Google can get the current exchange rate instantly, all you need to do is type in what you want to convert. For example, "Convert 50 USD to AUD"
Have you ever tried any of these functions on Google?