Ever heard of Google's GPS-tracking app called My Tracks? What about its
bucket-list-like service called Schemer? In fact, you may be surprised
to know that Google has actually developed several dozen
Android
apps, many of which you've never heard of. Here, we take a look at four
such titles that are all incredibly interesting and can be surprisingly
useful.
My Tracks
A great tool for outdoors enthusiasts, My Tracks records your path,
speed, distance, and even elevation while you walk, run, bike, or do
anything else that a GPS signal can follow. Visually, the app is a
snoozer, but to make up for it, My Tracks is easy to use and comes
loaded with a number of convenient features. It even lets you analyze
your treks after they've been recorded, using charts, statistics, and a
nifty Google Earth-powered playback feature.
As useful as it is, though, My Tracks does not offer many of the
training-specific features that some users might be looking for. There's
no goal setting, personal record tracking, or built-in audio coaching.
The app can, however, connect with a few third-party Bluetooth biometric
sensors, including Zephyr HxM, Polar WearLink, and ANT+ monitors.
Overall, My Tracks may not be the best option for serious athletes, but
it is certainly a fantastic solution for general GPS-tracking purposes.
Google Play Magazines
Among Google's "Play" series of apps, this one is probably the least
popular. Similar to its book-related sibling, Google Play Magazines is
an e-reader that lets you download magazines for reading at your
convenience. You can even read downloaded issues while you're offline.
The app is easy to use, offers high-resolution viewing, and just like
Google Play Books, it will save you from having to lug around a bunch of
printed reading materials.
From Google Play, you can purchase individual issues or subscriptions
(monthly or yearly) to tons of popular magazine titles. And from what
I've seen, the prices are competitive with similar services. Since
you're already a part of Google's content ecosystem, it is definitely a
convenient app to have, especially if you're a magazine enthusiast.
Schemer
Schemer helps you keep track of things you want to do in life. Whether
you're planning to dine at a Michelin-rated restaurant sometime soon or
you're dreaming of hiking to Machu Picchu one day, Schemer offers you a
place to record your to-dos and connect them with your Google account.
But more than a simple digital "bucket list," Schemer provides a clever
platform for connecting with a community of other doers as well. If you
make your profile public (as it is by default), others can see your
"schemes" and add them to their own to-do lists. Of course, you can do
the same with theirs as well. You can also browse keywords and
categories or search for nearby users to see what others using the app
are scheming.
While Schemer may not sound like a typical Google-made app, this
quirky download is certainly homegrown. It's fun, easy to use, and
definitely worth a try, especially if you already keep your own list of
aspirations outside of Google.
Field Trip
Released about a week ago, Field Trip is the newest title on this list,
and perhaps the one with the most potential. Think of it as a pocket
guide to interesting and fun things around you, whether they be
restaurants, museums, shops, or events. Pulling its data from dozens of
different sources, including Thrillist, Zagat, Eater, Inhabitat, and
Cool Hunting, Field Trip can recommend a wide variety of attractions for
you to visit, or at the very least, read about.
Of course, the app does have its flaws, the most biggest of which
is its poorly sorted recommendations. Still, it is easy to use,
beautifully designed, and comes with a great assortment of content
partners to enrich its user experience. That said, Field Trip, the
youngest of Google's homegrown Android apps, is more of a novelty than a
necessity at this point. However, considering Google's well-documented
interest in local search, it might be in your best interests to keep an
eye on this app.
Read More : http://reviews.cnet.com/8301-19736_7-57528327-251/four-forgotten-google-made-android-apps/
