Google Keep

Last updated

Google Keep
Developer(s) Google
Initial releaseMarch 20, 2013;11 years ago (2013-03-20)
Stable release(s) [±]
Android5.24.442.02 / 31 October 2024;16 days ago (2024-10-31) [1] [2]
Wear OS5.24.442.02 / 4 November 2024;12 days ago (2024-11-04) [1] [3]
iOS2.2024.44200 / 4 November 2024;12 days ago (2024-11-04) [4]
Operating system Android, iOS, web, Wear OS, WatchOS
Type Note-taking service
Website www.google.com/keep/   OOjs UI icon edit-ltr-progressive.svg

Google Keep (formerly Google Keep Notes and Google Notes) is a note-taking service included as part of the free, web-based Google Docs Editors suite offered by Google. The service also includes: Google Docs, Google Sheets, Google Slides, Google Drawings, Google Forms and Google Sites. Google Keep is available as a web application as well as mobile app for Android and iOS. The app offers a variety of tools for taking notes, including texts, lists, images, and audio. Text from images can be extracted using optical character recognition and voice recordings can be transcribed. The interface allows for a single-column view or a multi-column view. Notes can be color-coded and labels can be applied to notes to categorize them. Later updates have added functionality to pin notes and to collaborate on notes with other Keep users in real-time.

Contents

Google Keep has received mixed reviews. A review just after its launch in 2013 praised its speed, the quality of voice notes, synchronization, and the widget that could be placed on the Android home screen. Reviews in 2016 have criticized the lack of formatting options, inability to undo changes, and an interface that only offers two view modes where neither was liked for their handling of long notes. However, Google Keep received praise for features including universal device access, native integration with other Google services, and the option to turn photos into text through optical character recognition. [5]

Google ended support for the Google Keep Chrome app in February 2021, though Google Keep itself will continue to be accessible through other apps and directly in web browsers. [6]

Features

Google Keep allows users to make different kinds of notes, including: texts, lists, images and audio. [7] Users can set reminders, which are integrated with Google Now, with options for time or location. [8] Text from images can be extracted using optical character recognition technology. [9] [10] Voice recordings created through Keep are automatically transcribed. [11] Keep can convert text notes into checklists. [12] Users can choose between a single-column view and a multi-column view. [7] Notes can be color-coded, with options for: white, red, orange, yellow, green, teal, blue or gray. [10] [12] Users can press a "Copy to Google Doc" button that automatically copies all text into a new Google Docs document. [8] Users can create notes and lists by voice. [8] [12] Notes can be categorized using labels, with a list of labels in the app's navigation bar. [12]

Updates

In November 2014, Google introduced a real-time note cooperation feature between different Keep users, as well as a search feature determined by attributes, such as color, sharing status or the kind of content in the note. [13] In October 2016, Google added the ability for users to pin notes. [14] In February 2017, Google integrated Google Keep with Google Docs, providing access to notes while using Docs on the web. [15] [16] Google Assistant could previously maintain a shopping list within Google Keep. This feature was moved to Google Express in April 2017, resulting in a severe loss of functionality. [17] In July 2017, Google updated Keep on Android with the ability for users to undo and redo changes. [18] [19]

Platforms

Google Keep was launched on March 20, 2013 for the Android operating system and on the web. [20] [21] The Android app is compatible with Wear OS. [22] [23] Users can create new notes using voice input, add and check off items in lists and view reminders. [24]

An app for the iOS operating system was released on September 24, 2015. [25]

Reception

2013

In a May 2013 review, Alan Henry of Lifehacker wrote that the interface was "colorful and easy to use" and that the colors actually served a purpose in organization and contrast. Henry praised: the speed, quality of voice notes, synchronization, and Android home screen widget. He criticized the web interface, as well as the lack of an iOS app. [11]

Time listed Google Keep among its 50 best Android applications for 2013. [26]

2016

In a January 2016 review, JR Raphael of Computerworld wrote that "Keep is incredibly close to being an ideal tool for me to collect and manage all of my personal and work-related notes. And, as evidenced by the fact that I continue to use it, its positives outweigh its negatives for me and make it the best all-around option for my needs", praising what he calls Keep's "killer features", namely simplicity, "easy universal access" and native integration with other Google services. However, he characterized Keep's lack of formatting options, the inability to undo or revert changes and a missing search functionality within notes as "lingering weaknesses". [27]

In a July 2016 review, Jill Duffy of PC Magazine wrote that the interface was best described as "simplicity" and criticized it for offering list and grid views that did not make finding information quick or easy. Adding that "Most of my notes are text-based recipes, which are quite long", Duffy said the list view was "even worse" than the grid view as it only showed "one note at a time and it's the most recently edited note." She wrote that the web interface was lacking in functionality present in the apps. The mobile app's offering to take a photo and run optical character recognition to have the scan turned into text was described as a "shining star", with the comment "It's an amazing feature, and it works very well". She also criticized the lack of formatting options and that sharing options are "possible but not very refined". [28]

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Microsoft Outlook</span> Email and calendaring software

Microsoft Outlook is a personal information manager software system from Microsoft, available as a part of the Microsoft 365 software suites. Though primarily being popular as an email client for businesses, Outlook also includes functions such as calendaring, task managing, contact managing, note-taking, journal logging, web browsing, and RSS news aggregation.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Gmail</span> Email service provided by Google

Gmail is the email service provided by Google. As of 2019, it had 1.5 billion active users worldwide, making it the largest email service in the world. It also provides a webmail interface, accessible through a web browser, and is also accessible through the official mobile application. Google also supports the use of third-party email clients via the POP and IMAP protocols.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Microsoft OneNote</span> Freeform note-taking software

Microsoft OneNote is a note-taking software developed by Microsoft. It is available as part of the Microsoft 365 suite and since 2014 has been free on all platforms outside the suite. OneNote is designed for free-form information gathering and multi-user collaboration. It gathers users' notes, drawings, screen clippings, and audio commentaries. Notes can be shared with other OneNote users over the Internet or a network.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Google Calendar</span> Time-management and scheduling calendar service

Google Calendar is a time-management and scheduling calendar service developed by Google. It was created by Mike Samuel as part of his 20% project at Google. It became available in beta release April 13, 2006, and in general release in July 2009, on the web and as mobile apps for the Android and iOS platforms.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Zotero</span> Open-source reference management software

Zotero is free and open-source reference management software to manage bibliographic data and related research materials, such as PDF and ePUB files. Features include web browser integration, online syncing, generation of in-text citations, footnotes, and bibliographies, integrated PDF, ePUB and HTML readers with annotation capabilities, and a note editor, as well as integration with the word processors Microsoft Word, LibreOffice Writer, and Google Docs. It was originally created at the Center for History and New Media at George Mason University and, as of 2021, is developed by the non-profit Corporation for Digital Scholarship.

Google Workspace is a collection of cloud computing, productivity and collaboration tools, software and products developed and marketed by Google. It consists of Gmail, Contacts, Calendar, Meet and Chat for communication; Drive for storage; and the Google Docs Editors suite for content creation. An Admin Panel is provided for managing users and services. Depending on edition Google Workspace may also include the digital interactive whiteboard Jamboard and an option to purchase add-ons such as the telephony service Voice.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">OneDrive</span> File hosting and synchronization service operated by Microsoft

Microsoft OneDrive is a file-hosting service operated by Microsoft. First released in August 2007, it allows registered users to store, share and sync their files. OneDrive also works as the storage backend of the web version of Microsoft 365 / Office. OneDrive offers 5 GB of storage space free of charge, with 100 GB, 1 TB, and 6 TB storage options available either separately or with Microsoft 365 subscriptions.

Google Drive is a file-hosting service and synchronization service developed by Google. Launched on April 24, 2012, Google Drive allows users to store files in the cloud, synchronize files across devices, and share files. In addition to a web interface, Google Drive offers apps with offline capabilities for Windows and macOS computers, and Android and iOS smartphones and tablets. Google Drive encompasses Google Docs, Google Sheets, and Google Slides, which are a part of the Google Docs Editors office suite that allows collaborative editing of documents, spreadsheets, presentations, drawings, forms, and more. Files created and edited through the Google Docs suite are saved in Google Drive.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Google Play</span> Digital application distribution service by Google

Google Play, also known as the Google Play Store or Play Store and formerly known as Android Market, is a digital distribution service operated and developed by Google. It serves as the official app store for certified devices running on the Android operating system and its derivatives, as well as ChromeOS, allowing users to browse and download applications developed with the Android software development kit and published through Google. Google Play has also served as a digital media store, offering games, music, books, movies, and television programs. Content that has been purchased on Google Play Movies & TV and Google Play Books can be accessed on a web browser and through the Android and iOS apps.

Dialogflow is a natural language understanding platform used to design and integrate a conversational user interface into mobile apps, web applications, devices, bots, interactive voice response systems and related uses.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Notes (Apple)</span> Software application for Apple platforms

Notes is a notetaking app developed by Apple Inc. It is provided on the company's iOS, iPadOS, visionOS, and macOS operating systems, the latter starting with OS X Mountain Lion. It functions as a service for making short text notes, which can be synchronized between devices using Apple's iCloud service. The application uses a similar interface on iOS and macOS, with a non-textured paper background for notes and light yellow icons, suggesting pencil or crayon. Until 2013, both applications used a strongly skeuomorphic interface, with a lined, textured paper design; the Mountain Lion version placed this inside a leather folder. This design was replaced in OS X Mavericks and iOS 7.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Google Slides</span> Cloud-based presentation software

Google Slides is a presentation program and part of the free, web-based Google Docs suite offered by Google. Google Slides is available as a web application, mobile app for: Android, iOS, and as a desktop application on Google's ChromeOS. The app is compatible with Microsoft PowerPoint file formats. The app allows users to create and edit files online while collaborating with other users in real-time. Edits are tracked by a user with a revision history presenting changes. An editor's position is highlighted with an editor-specific color and cursor and a permissions system regulates what users can do. Updates have introduced features using machine learning, including "Explore," offering and "tasks to other users."

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Google Sheets</span> Cloud-based spreadsheet software

Google Sheets is a spreadsheet application and part of the free, web-based Google Docs Editors suite offered by Google. Google Sheets is available as a web application; a mobile app for: Android, iOS, and as a desktop application on Google's ChromeOS. The app is compatible with Microsoft Excel file formats. The app allows users to create and edit files online while collaborating with other users in real-time. Edits are tracked by which user made them, along with a revision history. Where an editor is making changes is highlighted with an editor-specific color and cursor. A permissions system regulates what users can do. Updates have introduced features that use machine learning, including "Explore", which offers answers based on natural language questions in the spreadsheet. Sheets is one of the services provided by Google that also includes Google Docs, Google Slides, Google Drawings, Google Forms, Google Sites and Google Keep.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Google Play Books</span> Digital distribution service for ebooks

Google Play Books, formerly Google eBooks, is an ebook digital distribution service operated by Google, part of its Google Play product line. Users can purchase and download ebooks and audiobooks from Google Play, which offers over five million titles, with Google claiming it to be the "largest ebooks collection in the world". Books can be read on a dedicated Books section on the Google Play website, through the use of a mobile app available for Android and iOS, through the use of select e-readers that offer support for Adobe Digital Editions, through a web browser and reading via Google Home. Users may also upload up to 2,000 ebooks in the PDF or EPUB file formats. Google Play Books is available in 75 countries.

Google TV is a digital distribution service for movies and television series developed by Google. It was announced in September 2020, offering search and discovery of video titles across multiple streaming services, including rental or purchase options, alongside watchlist features for accessing titles from eligible devices and platforms. The buy, rent, or preorder options were shared with the predecessor Google Play Movies & TV, which has since moved to the newer service.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Google Docs</span> Cloud-based word processing software

Google Docs is an online word processor and part of the free, web-based Google Docs Editors suite offered by Google. Google Docs is accessible via an internet browser as a web-based application and is also available as a mobile app on Android and iOS and as a desktop application on Google's ChromeOS.

Dropbox Paper, or simply Paper, is a collaborative document-editing service developed by Dropbox. Originating from the company's acquisition of document collaboration company Hackpad in April 2014, Dropbox Paper was officially announced in October 2015, and launched in January 2017. It offers a web application, as well as mobile apps for Android and iOS.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Google Assistant</span> AI-powered digital assistant from Google

Google Assistant is a virtual assistant also artificial intelligence software application developed by Google that is primarily available on home automation and mobile devices. Based on artificial intelligence, Google Assistant can engage in two-way conversations, unlike the company's previous virtual assistant, Google Now.

Comparison of user features of messaging platforms refers to a comparison of all the various user features of various electronic instant messaging platforms. This includes a wide variety of resources; it includes standalone apps, platforms within websites, computer software, and various internal functions available on specific devices, such as iMessage for iPhones.

References

  1. 1 2 "Google Keep - Notes and Lists". Google Play. Retrieved November 8, 2024.
  2. ↑ "Google Keep - Notes and Lists 5.24.442.02". APKMirror. October 31, 2024. Retrieved November 8, 2024.
  3. ↑ "Google Keep - Notes and Lists (Wear OS) 5.24.442.02". APKMirror. November 4, 2024. Retrieved November 8, 2024.
  4. ↑ "Google Keep - Notes and lists". App Store. Retrieved November 8, 2024.
  5. ↑ Zhang, Gary. "Google Keep Desktop – Best Portable APP for Windows / Mac". osjoy.com. Archived from the original on April 2, 2019. Retrieved March 10, 2019.
  6. ↑ "Google Keep's Chrome App Will Stop Working in February 2021 | Technology News". November 4, 2020. Archived from the original on December 22, 2020. Retrieved December 16, 2020.
  7. 1 2 Amadeo, Ron (March 20, 2013). "Hands-On With Google Keep For Android: Notes, Checklists, Voice Notes, Pictures, Widgets, And Voice Actions Integration". Android Police. Archived from the original on December 31, 2017. Retrieved February 22, 2017.
  8. 1 2 3 Whitwam, Ryan (April 25, 2016). "5 awesome Google Keep features you aren't using, but should be". Greenbot. International Data Group. Archived from the original on February 23, 2017. Retrieved February 22, 2017.
  9. ↑ Wallen, Jack (March 20, 2016). "How to take advantage of optical character recognition in Google Keep". TechRepublic . CBS Interactive. Archived from the original on December 22, 2020. Retrieved February 22, 2017.
  10. 1 2 Patkar, Mihir (January 29, 2015). "4 Google Keep Tips And Tricks For Better Notes, Lists And To-Dos". MakeUseOf. Archived from the original on December 22, 2020. Retrieved February 22, 2017.
  11. 1 2 Henry, Alan (May 22, 2013). "Not Just Another Notes App: Why You Should Use Google Keep". Lifehacker . Univision Communications. Archived from the original on February 17, 2017. Retrieved February 22, 2017.
  12. 1 2 3 4 Raphael, JR (May 11, 2016). "11 ways to get the most out of Google Keep on Android". Computerworld . International Data Group. Archived from the original on December 22, 2020. Retrieved February 22, 2017.
  13. ↑ Protalinski, Emil (November 17, 2014). "Google Keep now lets you share lists with friends and family, filter notes by attributes". VentureBeat . Archived from the original on December 22, 2020. Retrieved January 6, 2017.
  14. ↑ Whitwam, Ryan (October 19, 2016). "[Update: App shortcuts too] New Google Keep update adds note pinning [APK Download]". Android Police. Archived from the original on December 22, 2020. Retrieved January 6, 2017.
  15. ↑ Anima, Mario (February 28, 2017). "Capture ideas in Google Keep, bring them to life in Google Docs". The Keyword Google Blog. Archived from the original on December 22, 2020. Retrieved March 1, 2017.
  16. ↑ Perez, Sarah (February 28, 2017). "Google's note-taking app Keep joins G Suite, now integrates with Google Docs". TechCrunch . AOL. Archived from the original on December 22, 2020. Retrieved March 1, 2017.
  17. ↑ Amadeo, Ron (April 11, 2017). "Google ruins the Assistant's shopping list, turns it into a big Google Express ad". Ars Technica . Condé Nast. Archived from the original on December 22, 2020. Retrieved April 12, 2017.
  18. ↑ El Khoury, Rita (July 14, 2017). "Google Keep 3.4.803 gets undo and redo controls [APK Download]". Android Police. Archived from the original on December 22, 2020. Retrieved July 15, 2017.
  19. ↑ Li, Abner (July 13, 2017). "Google Keep for Android finally adds undo/redo controls for text editing". 9to5Google . Archived from the original on December 22, 2020. Retrieved July 15, 2017.
  20. ↑ Kuan, Katherine (March 20, 2013). "Google Keep—Save what's on your mind". Official Google Blog. Archived from the original on December 22, 2020. Retrieved March 1, 2017.
  21. ↑ Graziano, Dan (March 20, 2013). "Google launches Google Keep note-taking service [video]". BGR . Penske Media Corporation. Archived from the original on October 8, 2016. Retrieved January 6, 2017.
  22. ↑ Zhou, Ranna (April 23, 2015). "Google Keep: Take notes on the go". Official Android Blog. Archived from the original on December 22, 2020. Retrieved January 6, 2017.
  23. ↑ Tarantola, Andrew (April 23, 2015). "Take notes on your wrist with Google Keep and Android Wear". Engadget . AOL. Archived from the original on December 22, 2020. Retrieved January 6, 2017.
  24. ↑ Lopez, Napier (April 23, 2015). "Google Keep on Android Wear now lets you dictate notes on the go". The Next Web. Archived from the original on February 23, 2017. Retrieved February 22, 2017.
  25. ↑ Welch, Chris (September 24, 2015). "Google Keep is now available for iPhone and iPad". The Verge . Vox Media. Archived from the original on December 22, 2020. Retrieved January 6, 2017.
  26. ↑ Newman, Jared (June 30, 2013). "50 Best Android Apps for 2013". Time . Time Inc. Archived from the original on July 2, 2013. Retrieved January 6, 2017.
  27. ↑ Raphael, JR (January 26, 2016). "3 years with Google Keep: Where it shines and where it (still) falls short". Computerworld . International Data Group. Archived from the original on December 22, 2020. Retrieved March 1, 2017.
  28. ↑ Duffy, Jill (July 30, 2016). "Google Keep". PC Magazine . Ziff Davis. Archived from the original on May 14, 2018. Retrieved March 1, 2017.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.