Google Features I’d Like To See

Tom Says:

January 14th, 2009, 20:17 pm

Haha, yeah, Leo, you did go a bit crazy at the end there.

The one service I’ve really enjoyed so far is Apple’s MobileMe. A lot of that is because I have an iPhone, and it syncs very well with MobileMe, but I’d like to see Google continue this syncing across various platforms. I’m not saying I’m ready to drop by iPhone and pick up a G1, but when it comes to Canada I will be very interested in it!

If Google can do everything MobileMe does, but for free, well, sign me up!

Wesa Says:

January 14th, 2009, 20:19 pm

I saw these ideas shaping up on Twitter and have to respond with a few thoughts of my own.

I don’t agree with this one: “Ability to tell other Gmail users that I’m busy and can’t be bothered with more email”….one of the key features of email (to me) is to be able to send an email to be read at the recipient’s convenience. If you can’t be bothered to read incoming email, just close the tab/browser/notifier.

Also this one: “Automatic processing of your entire inbox based on text recognition: sends automatic replies based on your previous replies”….this is not good if you need to be up-to-date on changes, etc. The vast majority of people will not want an automated message (regardless of how it’s tweaked to mimic the person it’s from), if they had any idea the person they sent it to did not actually read it, it could cause some animosity.

Honestly, reading your suggestions/ideas makes me think that you actually spend too much time on email and it’s becoming a point of stress for you, as you seem to be especially focusing on automated ways to deal with incoming email. Perhaps it’s time to step back and reevaluate the relationship between you and email.

Julian Says:

January 14th, 2009, 20:22 pm

I’m looking forward to realtime Google streetview, I’ve heard a rumour it is being launched 1/04/09 :)

Leo Says:

January 14th, 2009, 20:24 pm

@Tom: One thing I love about Google software is that there’s no need for syncing across various devices, because it’s all online.

@Wesa: You might have a point there. :)

Actually email isn’t a problem for me — I deal with it fairly quickly — I just thought it would be fun to invent some dream features. I can see now that I was mistaken.

hybrid756 Says:

January 14th, 2009, 20:25 pm

I am a self-confessed google fangirl, and being headed for the land of the freelance in the near(ish) future, I wouldn’t mind seeing something along the lines of google invoicing. There may be something like this out there already, I don’t know. But everything I use in google (mail, chat, calendar, feed reader, sites, etc) makes it so easy to organise my admin, that would make a very welcome addition.

Dark Knight Says:

January 14th, 2009, 20:27 pm

Hey Leo,
I like the Spam Back. I almost have my pharmacy certification with all the drug offers that I receive. Would love to send these folks a little of their own medicine.

Peace!

Wesa Says:

January 14th, 2009, 20:27 pm

@ Leo, you weren’t mistaken. I just read your ideas too seriously. :P

Leo Says:

January 14th, 2009, 20:29 pm

@Julian: How about the next step: Google Homeview? You could use Google Earth or Maps and find people’s homes, click on the home to read the person’s blog or Facebook or Twitter, maybe see the person if they have their webcam enabled, send them books and groceries and take-out food based on their wishlist, ask them out on a date (Google Dates?), etc. ;)

@hybrid: I wouldn’t be surprised to see google invoicing. Or google taxes preparer.

Very Evolved Says:

January 14th, 2009, 20:30 pm

I really like the recent integration of voice and video into Gmail chat.

However I am yet to see any chat service offer a mutiuser - video conferencing solution.

I mean how are people going to tell when I’m picking my nose during meetings? I’ve got to get that across!

Patrick

cv Says:

January 14th, 2009, 20:33 pm

There are two things I want to see:

1. Adapt the line of links to other Google services at the top right based on your user habits. I have a gmail account and use google docs and maps quite a lot, but it has standard links there - news, or photos, or other things I never click on, while burying things I use in the “more” section.

2. Have the ability to be logged in to more than one google account simultaneously and switch among them easily - maybe a drop-down menu in one corner of the screen? I check one account that my organization set up, one personal one, sometimes check my girlfriend’s email while she’s traveling, and a community organization I volunteer for has a gmail account that I have access to. Some days I spend way too much time logging in and out.

John Says:

January 14th, 2009, 20:39 pm

I would like my tags in my google reader to sync with my delicious account? Anybody else here toggle both?

Joe Says:

January 14th, 2009, 20:41 pm

“Ability to turn a Google doc into a distraction-free, full-screen writing tool like WriteRoom (yes, I know this is more dependent on the browser but I can dream, can’t I?).”

Hit Ctrl+Shift+F in the document to go into full screen mode in Google Docs, then hit F11 (standard for ALL browsers, AFAIK) to go full screen with the browser. I get nothing but the document page, the vertical slider, and a semi-transparent message telling me to hit “Esc” to exit Google Docs full screen mode.

“Ability to send an email through Gmail using Google Quick Search interface (similar to Quicksilver), without having to open Gmail in the browser.”

You could do this from the Windows command line with SendEmail http://caspian.dotconf.net/menu/Software/SendEmail/ (you just use Google’s SMTP server details in your command) or from Launchy (using SendEmail) with minimal setup. With Launchy, you could then type

[hotkey] mail [address] [subject] [body]

Perhaps I’ll finally put something on the (empty) blog I set up ages ago by making a tutorial.

You could get alot of the other QuickSearch-like abilities using Launchy; here’s a tutorial on Lifehacker: http://lifehacker.com/software/hack-attack/take-launchy-beyond-application-launching-284127.php

If you’ve got a Mac, you might be out of luck. I don’t know if Quicksilver can be made to do such things.

The Daily Minder Says:

January 14th, 2009, 20:42 pm

Very clever stuff. I like it. Google will no doubt be on most of this soon I reckon.

Bud Hennekes Says:

January 14th, 2009, 20:44 pm

I just laughed out loud in Chinese class!

Ash Says:

January 14th, 2009, 20:50 pm

haha yeah, that was a funny one. i too, look forward to GCoffee, but only if it comes with GDonuts :)

I’d like GMail to have slightly more task-centric UI, rather than event-centric. Of course, they could do both. Also, official syncing with Outlook / Thunderbird & Rainlendar would be cool :)

Japanese Elegance Says:

January 14th, 2009, 20:55 pm

From the post above ‘Perhaps it’s time to step back and reevaluate the relationship between you and email’. Leo was just having fun, some of these ideas were just tongue in cheek and wishful thinking more than actual real suggestions. I found them funny especially the one about sending back 90 days worth of spam. Thanks for the laughter Leo.
The idea that I am really hoping that google would implement ASAP is no. 3 on the list ‘Schedule when an email is sent instead of having to send instantly’. I can’t even count the number of times I have wanted to schedule and email but was unable to do so. Google has been doing a fantastic job so far, and I am looking forward to using this feature in the future.
sayonara

Lon Phillips Says:

January 14th, 2009, 20:59 pm

I’ve been waiting for quite a while for Google to have Calendar go by 5 minute increments, but either they’ve never read my email or they have what they consider better things to do since I haven’t seen it…..

I have Zen Fever! Says:

January 14th, 2009, 21:21 pm

Leo, I see you have (Google Fever)! You like Gmail also. Nice post. I like the Street view map thing they have.

Janine Says:

January 14th, 2009, 21:28 pm

I’d like to second the ability to be signed in to more than one account at a time, right now I use different browsers. One thing I would really like is to be able to unthread messages when needed, the only way to do that is to forward, cut out the gibberish, and change the subject.

Donnie Says:

January 14th, 2009, 21:32 pm

This may have been mentioned (sorry, I never read all of the comments) but I would like to have the “Tasks” option to be a gadget for my sidebar and my iGoogle, just like calendar is. Not as nifty as “Gcoffee” but still would be pretty useful.

FIRE Finance Says:

January 14th, 2009, 21:36 pm

“Post written automatically by Google autoblogger.” - Is this a joke :)) ?

Nate Says:

January 14th, 2009, 22:09 pm

One thing I would love to see is shared folders… Alas they have had that suggested to them for a long time so far…

Jeremy Keith Hammond Says:

January 14th, 2009, 22:13 pm

You mentioned you’d like to be able to tweet from gmail… you can! Labs has a feature where you can add any google app to a side box in your gmail. Twitter has an app:

http://lifehacker.com/5107766/twittergadget-adds-twitter-to-gmail

Also - someone said something about being able to look at people’s houses through streetview - I skimmed over the comments - and maybe you’ll get a chuckle too:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fPgV6-gnQaE

Danny Says:

January 14th, 2009, 22:20 pm

I’d really like to be able to access my Gmail account directly via Google Reader. Reader doesn’t support authenticated feeds, so one has to use an intermediary like FreeMyFeed.

Tabitha (From Single to Married) Says:

January 14th, 2009, 22:35 pm

I’m a big fan of Gmail with the one exception - sometimes it’s tough to read with the various streams attached. I have to really dig through a stream if I’m looking for something particular. I do like the google docs and spreadsheets though - having everything available online is really nice.

Leo Says:

January 14th, 2009, 22:43 pm

I agree about being able to easily switch between Google accounts.

@Jeremy: Thanks for the info, but I didn’t mean I’d like to Twitter within Gmail … I’d like to send a tweet via the Google Quick Search app they just came out with — it’s a lot like Quicksilver in that you just pop it open with a keystroke, do what you need, and it goes away. No need to open a browser and get distracted.

@Fire: Actually most of my posts are written by Google Autoblogger now … saves time! ;)

Amy Says:

January 14th, 2009, 23:17 pm

How about “Google Hoax,” as in “no those pics you forwarded weren’t really from the tsunami,” or “no that little girl is not going to die of cancer if you don’t forward this email.”

Like, checks snopes first?

And, tells them they will die if they continue forwarding stupid hoaxes.

Gennaro @ Enduring Wanderlust Says:

January 14th, 2009, 23:49 pm

It’s clear that Apple and Google both value their customers. Their products are very user friendly. They also exhibit a level of innovation that’s unmatched. Always adapting without losing their core. Both make my life easier.

Mike King Says:

January 15th, 2009, 0:28 am

Google is supposed to be able to search for anything right? Don’t you expect to be able to just do a search in Google to find anything you want? Well….

There is one feature Google really needs and it’s a specific search:

Now, where are my keys?

Ryan McLean Says:

January 15th, 2009, 0:48 am

There is always more to achieve for anything you can think of.
Google will definately only get better with time (as will apple).
Thanks for the post

Miguel Says:

January 15th, 2009, 1:04 am

Leo

Just got the book today, congrats again. You mentioned writing room, never heard of it… I use this program called (free) Q10, ever heard of it? It has plenty to offer if you’re looking. :) Cheers!

-Mig

Mandar Vaze Says:

January 15th, 2009, 1:12 am

+1 for “Spam Back” :)

Naitasia Says:

January 15th, 2009, 1:39 am

I too am obsessed with both Google and Apple. If I had my choice of places to work out of anywhere and for anyone in the world it would be one of those 2 companies. I could not live without my my MacBook Pro (yet to be named) or my iPhone (I am painfully attached to this one). The use of these two tools alone have changed my life. And MobileMe is one of the best things ever. I recently discovered Google Reader and all it has to offer and I must say that I can’t live without that either. I have not converted to gmail though and that’s mostly because I’ve had the same email address since the 7th grade and I’m attached.

I like your post a lot. Though the second to last suggestion about Google Stalker is a little dicey. My favorites are 6 (”Do Not Disturb”) and 10 (”Joke/Chains”). If I could filter my email like that I would probably switch to Gmail in a heartbeat.

dvd Says:

January 15th, 2009, 2:10 am

I have been a fanboy since gmail was out, I had my invitation a month after they were available.
I think they are making a lot of smart steps. Now they have too many great services and they need to integrate them.
For example… integrate gmail’s tasks with google desktop tasks and igoogle tasks.
I think they can get that level of integration (and they are making it) with igoogle and there we could get a common bezzel for doing stuff like in quicksilver, so we can quick mail some contact, create an event or stuff like that.
Also I would like to see more gears and chrome support for different google services and other services, like remember the milk did.

Jelle Says:

January 15th, 2009, 2:21 am

I would really like the ’scheduling’ feature for sending emails. Sometimes I work at night, and I just think it looks unprofessional to send messages at this time to clients. Plus I wouldn’t have to put reminders in Gcal to ‘mail somebody’ at a specific date.

Also, I would like to see an export feature in Gmail. Not that I’m planning on leaving, but now that my entire mailbox over the last years is hosted at Google I would like to be able to ‘pick up and leave’ if I want to. Just for the peace of mind and in the case Google suddenly turns ‘evil’. ;)

Vik Dulat Says:

January 15th, 2009, 2:33 am

My favorite on on the list is the spam back button. Now that would be sweet.

Patrick Says:

January 15th, 2009, 2:36 am

Lol, I would definitely vote +1000 for a couple of those features!

Daniel Richard Says:

January 15th, 2009, 2:45 am

Hmm. “Post written automatically by Google autoblogger.” … Lol

Mat Says:

January 15th, 2009, 2:54 am

Leo,

As was said in a previous comment, F11 should solve the full sreen writer issue for you, and in Firefox it will also hide the file menus which is a really nice feature.

“Automatic processing of your entire inbox based on text recognition:…then makes your coffee….”

Funny enough, you can already setup filters to label and archieve mail as it’s recieved. I have a list of special codes I use to write emails to myself that go to my “! Tasks”, “! Links” and “! Projects” labels et cetera.

And what about Gtea? If we get GCoffee we need Gtea for the afternoon time…maybe it should just be GRefreshments and it can handle everything from biscuits to sparkling water?!

Angie Says:

January 15th, 2009, 3:00 am

I’m a recent but quickly hard-core Gmail fan - so much so that I’m even getting some of my writers and editorial intern to use it just for Google Docs and Gcal, and the ones who make the switch love it! Appointment scheduling and document editing is so much easier.

My top two suggestions are making Tasks mobile and Docs mobile-editable. Also, the Custom Time Stamp feature should allow us to actually edit the time, not just the format. That would take care of the problem of wee-hours emailing for me, although a scheduled outbox would also be handy.

I can’t really complain, though, based on my experiences so far. BTW, I’ve been at “Inbox Zero” since Gmail day 1, and it only took about an hour of setup. That reminds me of another improvement - mobile labeling. Talk about decluttering … ;)

Mulungu Says:

January 15th, 2009, 3:08 am

And how about Gworld ? Ruling the world for me while I keep reading Zenhabits.

Thanks Leo.

@janine Put your gmail-account in Thunderbird and you got unthreaded messages. http://mail.google.com/support/bin/answer.py?hl=en&answer=77662

Mulungu

Mike Donovan Says:

January 15th, 2009, 4:18 am

I love many Google applications as well, but am extremely disappointed they’re pulling the plug on Google Notebook. I just read this minutes before coming here to read your post.
http://news.cnet.com/8301-17939_109-10143245-2.html

Alex Says:

January 15th, 2009, 5:24 am

Leo, if you use Google, Google knows everything about you. Is this OK for you? Google knows your appointments, knows where you are, knows your traveldestinations, your topics in emails, your tasks, your documents….

What about your New year’s challenge, I dont see no blog postings about your daily meditations … Did you quit?

J.D. Meier Says:

January 15th, 2009, 5:46 am

I’ve always been surprised by the lack of inbox sorting options.

I guess with a focus on search, the browse gets lost.

Rob Kingston Says:

January 15th, 2009, 6:38 am

FYI, Google Stalker has almost come into fruition.

Checkout the new contacts browser in Gmail - Google harvests contact data and sorts it for you.

For more info checkout:
http://www.readwriteweb.com/archives/gmail_tries_to_be_less_creepy.php

http://venturebeat.com/2007/12/17/googles-social-network-creepy-more-than-social/

kiepmad Says:

January 15th, 2009, 8:46 am

nothing else to do? :D
it’s fun though. I’d like to have an computer implanted in my brain… taking online offline. :P

mh, not such a good idea… but it might make me spend less time in front of the screen. they should not have invented netbooks… :D

take care
kiepmad :)

Margreet Tiwow Says:

January 15th, 2009, 8:59 am

Gmail has been a real treat. The best thing about Gmail for me is having the advantages of an e-mailclient, which is shortcut keycombinations, anywhere anytime.

What I would like to see in Gmail is this: birthday management.

How should it look like?
Two options should be included in contact management:
First, we need a field to enter the contact’s birthday (in which year is optional). In Google Calendar, the contact’s birthday should appear as a reoccurring event looking like this: “It is Margreet’s birthday” or when you’ve entered the date of birth, “Margreet is turning 28” (Please note, today is not my birthday.)

Second, there should be the option if we want to use the default reminder settings or enter modified reminders. These should look like the reminder settings in Google Calendar.

On the default reminders, these should probably be managed in Google Calendar settings. For example, I would choose an e-mail a few days in advance, and a text message in the morning. At the moment, I use reminders for birthdays, but since these are events that last an entire day, it is not possible to have them during the day. That is annoying because the latest possibility is at midnight. Which is not the best time for everybody to receive a phone call or a text message.

Let’s hope Google wil pick up on our brainstorm session here.

Leo, I am most grateful for your writings. I’ve been reading your blog and I find it very inspiring.

Dave Ward Says:

January 15th, 2009, 9:32 am

Regarding “GPhone”, check out GrandCentral (which Google acquired last year). It stagnated a bit since Google took over, but is still very useful.

You can choose to play various custom greetings based on caller ID groups (to pitch that ebook to the telemarketers). It also has a concept of “spam” phone calls that I haven’t used much, but looks interesting.

I use my GrandCentral number as my primary contact for anyone I don’t know personally.

Kelly Says:

January 15th, 2009, 9:34 am

Automatic Processing of your inbox? That would be priceless! Automatic responses based on older responses - love it!

Britt Says:

January 15th, 2009, 9:56 am

I’m a Google fanboy as well…I can’t tell enough people about how awesome their features and apps are. Very good ideas. Love love love the “Spam Back” and “Report Joke/Chain” options LOL. I like the social integration ideas as well. Kind of like what Xobni does with Outlook. I’m using that now with my work email and I love it. Google should definitely look at some of the things Xobni is doing.

Daniel Hammond Says:

January 15th, 2009, 10:03 am

Clean up Google Gadgets! Yahoo! Widgets are beating the tar out of Google Gadgets right now, and it doesn’t have to be that way.

(Until it isn’t, though, I’m sticking with Yahoo!)

allena Says:

January 15th, 2009, 10:19 am

Google stalker would kill me. There is just some stuff I should NOT be putting on my Twitter/Facebook

Fabrice Quertain Says:

January 15th, 2009, 10:21 am

Even if you cannot yet “schedule when an email is sent instead of having to send instantly”, you still may write it, save it, and send it later from the drafts folder.

Caleb - Double Your Gains Says:

January 15th, 2009, 10:21 am

I totally second the “joke/chain” button idea!

Later
Caleb

Catherine Says:

January 15th, 2009, 10:31 am

Great ideas, Leo! I am sure we’ll see some of them in the labs soon. I recently fell in love with the setting that has Google email me my daily agenda every morning (but I am still looking for the setting that can get it to send earlier than 5:30).

Here are a few more:

Google Project that will give me Microsoft Project-like functionality in Google Docs.

Google Training Plan that will automatically sync my Google Calendar with my marathon training plan and tell me how many miles I have to run that day.

Google State Tracker that will keep track of how many states I have run marathons in.

I love your blog. I am a total Zen Fan.

Pierre Says:

January 15th, 2009, 10:41 am

Leo,

I’m also a Google freak…

Is it possible to send mails in the future ?

Vincent Says:

January 15th, 2009, 10:44 am

I got a laugh out of the last point. It will be great for bloggers if google really have that application. Look forward to it *pray*

Cheers
Vincent
Personal Development Blogger

Liara Covert Says:

January 15th, 2009, 10:44 am

Leo, you make astute points that highlight software users offer practical insight that would software developers. Frequent communication between end-users and developers is most useful when clear and understood.

I appreciate the diverse suggestions for new functions. I also look forward to when Google goes completely solar or wind power that is, when they set an example by having their offices and functions all powered naturally.

Sheree Says:

January 15th, 2009, 10:48 am

Good idea!

But I guess I was thinking that the combination of Google and coffee is Gooffee.

Which makes donuts into Go-Nuts!

Okay, halting the thinking now :)

mr-crash Says:

January 15th, 2009, 10:53 am

Just for my own amusement (yes I am easily amused), I registered suggestionsleoalreadyrealizes@gmail.com…

I’m curious to see if anyone actually emails it…

for the fullscreen thing for google docs, maybe just push f11 if you use firefox. If this isn’t good enough, someone could probably make a script for greasemonkey or something.

Expansions to quick search and better email scheduling would be awesome though, as are many suggestions here.

Jerry Roberts Says:

January 15th, 2009, 10:53 am

I’d like to see Google Hair
(don’t figure to ever be willing to pay for transplants)

Maybe Google Instant Sleep
for when my 3 year-old just won’t take that nap

More to the point…

Google SEO
to do ALL the SEO stuff that bloggers should do every day.

I’d also like them to expand filters beyond the limit of 20. I laid in about 80, only to find out that anything over 20 is a problem.

Leo, you better hope these guys don’t come out with:

Google Zen

or it could be all over.

Then again, they may want to give you a few hundred million to walk away ; )

Fun post and comments.

Jerry Roberts

http://careerjolt.net

mr-crash Says:

January 15th, 2009, 10:55 am

(apologies for double posting)

Catherine, what about setting up a 2nd gmail account in a different timezone, then having it automatically forward to your primary gmail?…

This would probably let you get around the 5.30am thing.

Corey Says:

January 15th, 2009, 11:24 am

The Send spam button would be sweet except for the fact that most spammers don’t use their real e-mails, instead they use e-mails of real people. so really, you would become the spammer. that’s not cool!

The Personal Finance Playbook Says:

January 15th, 2009, 11:28 am

Very creative, great stuff. I like the Google stalker idea with the complimentary restraining orders…everybody wins!

Ty Says:

January 15th, 2009, 11:49 am

You know how you’ll send an email to someone, within which lies a number of questions (often quite simple ones), and all you really need them to do is answer them, but they don’t because they don’t have time to draft a full email response? Frustrating, eh? Well, Google Forms could change that!

I’m envisioning something where you could include form-type elements such as checkboxes (for yes/no questions or lists), drop down selections, blank entry fields, etc. that would allow a recipient to simply and quickly respond to the questions at hand. You’d hit “Reply,” fill out the form elements, then hit “Send” which would send the completed (or even partially completed) form back to the form-sender. No formal email required, just answer the questions and you’re done!

jdp Says:

January 15th, 2009, 12:33 pm

I started laughing at Spam Back and now I have to go regroup before getting back to work. LOL

Eric Tan Says:

January 15th, 2009, 12:46 pm

I love the SPam Back and the Auto Blog post Writing… =) a feature I want the m to improve on is the Gmail Themes… Theres not enough to choose from… maybe they can even have themes thats based on a website of your choosing..

Jesse Says:

January 15th, 2009, 12:53 pm

“Ability to turn a Google doc into a distraction-free, full-screen writing tool like WriteRoom (yes, I know this is more dependent on the browser but I can dream, can’t I?).”

You can do this by using Chrome. When you open your docs page, you can set it up as a ‘web app’ which will save a link to your mac that takes you right to that page with none of the browser controls visible. Then when you open a doc, it’s effectively a full page writing tool…

RF Says:

January 15th, 2009, 13:01 pm

What I would love Google to implement is the ability to attach documents to your Google calendar email reminders. So, say you have an email reminder set up for your board meeting on Tuesday - you can have it send the meeting agenda along with the reminder.

I would also like you to be able to send reminders in Google calendars to people other than yourself (along with those attachments).

Maybe these are already features (they seem so logical that I’m surprised the capability isn’t there), but I can’t figure out how to do them.

Scott Vlaminck Says:

January 15th, 2009, 13:16 pm

“Automatic processing of your entire inbox based on text recognition” … there’s a lab feature called “Canned Responses” that is already a partial form of this. It allows using templates to respond with common messages and it can be combined with filters to automatically send a response.

russds Says:

January 15th, 2009, 14:03 pm

Hahahah, i like those last few. how about Google work, that figures out what you do based on your searches, facebook profile, twits, etc, and actually does your job for you. :)

they are probably working on the sort already. but good suggestions!

jana Says:

January 15th, 2009, 14:30 pm

for me, the most sweet thing would be to schedule my emails, which seems like a doable thing. i am still using my old email mostly and this is the thing that would persuade me to switch

Derek Sanforth Says:

January 15th, 2009, 15:48 pm

Leo:

How do you PRONOUNCE your surname?

I’ve heard it pronounced with these variations:

BAY-BAY-YOU-TAH

BAY-BAH-OO-TUH-AH

BOB-OW-TAY

BAH-BAH-YEW-TAH

BOB-AY-OO-TAH

BAH-BWAH-TAY

BAH-BOUT-A

BUH-AH-OOH-TAY

A group of friends and I were lunching together this Tuesday past, and discussing the pronunciation of your name. Please help me settle this once for all!

I’m counting on BOB-OW-TUH.

Awaiting your reply.

Michelle Minch, Moving Mountains Design Says:

January 15th, 2009, 17:38 pm

Leo: I read today that Google is shutting down one of my favorite applications, Google Notebooks. I have so much stuff stored in my notebooks, I’m not sure what I am going to do with all of it. I was so happy to find Google Notebooks as it has helped me tremendously with paper management. Does anyone know of a similar application? I’d even be willing to pay for it.

stabby Says:

January 15th, 2009, 17:38 pm

I am more than a little worried about google. Ask yourself this: What is their product?

It’s you, and you personal information and preferences.

Google will tell you that they don’t know who you are, but this is not true. You probably have personal information in your email, for example, which they search. Chrome and google docs are there to gather info on you.

And the g-phone will soon allow them to track your movements.

Regardless of the intentions of the company itself, no good can come from anyone knowing this much about you.

What if someday you search for cancer information and then find your insurance cancelled? Or exchange emails with your accountant discussing money problems you may be having, then find your credit cards cancelled?

I’m trying hard to avoid the Big G, but it’s not easy. Google tracking is built into my Safari web browser and others, and they do offer the best search.

Just know what you’re getting into with these guys.

chaotic kitten Says:

January 15th, 2009, 18:47 pm

Spam Back is possibly the best idea I’ve heard this year. Though I think it should be called Spam Karma.

Leo Says:

January 15th, 2009, 18:56 pm

@Michelle Mich: I use Evernote, which is pretty good. I don’t know if that’s the same thing, but it works very well.

@Derek: You’re the closest to the right pronunciation. Here’s how I’d write it:

Buh-BOW-tuh

with the emphasis on the second syllable, which rhymes with OW.

Matt Blick Says:

January 15th, 2009, 19:00 pm

Love the spam back! That would probably make the world a better place!

And the auto follow up would be genuinely helpful.

Speaking of which I recently started following your blog and have found it full of really practical stuff that I can apply easily (and for the record - i’ve never heard of GTD till about 2 weeks ago).

Leo Says:

January 15th, 2009, 19:02 pm

Btw, I just read all the comments I missed while asleep … great ideas, guys! :)

I could use Google Hair.

Sean Savageau Says:

January 15th, 2009, 20:12 pm

Hey Leo, great ideas as usual. I’m just getting into many of Google’s apps, so maybe I’ll have some ideas for them soon. It’s OK to be a fan boy though : ) like you said, Google just happens to have the best services. If you really think its unhealthy, write a new article on it and help some of us!

Rob Says:

January 15th, 2009, 20:59 pm

I’d personally love to see Google tap into the market of storage - there’s already a Firefox plugin called Gspace, but it’s next to useless if the computer you want to access your files from doesn’t have the plug in.

Also, I’d love to see a change in the Gmail interface to include more intricate signatures. Again, there’s already a plugin for it which allows you to create far more attractive signatures, but none the less it’s definitely something that could be implemented!

Also, a more customisable Chrome, with integrated RescueTime style tracking would be great.

Chuck Says:

January 15th, 2009, 21:05 pm

I couldn’t agree more re: the multiple Google accounts. That’s such a time-waster. There’s got to be a better way!

rupss Says:

January 15th, 2009, 22:59 pm

You know what I’d like to see? A little add on to Gcal that allows me to write a note/reminder for a specific date without making that reminder time specific.

Will Says:

January 16th, 2009, 1:16 am

Spam back is a genius idea.

I also really like the setting of an email delivery time/date idea. It’d make my life easier.

jana Says:

January 16th, 2009, 5:29 am

re “stabby Says” and privacy: i think Leo said he knows this is not for people aho are concerned about their privacy more than him. for me, this is slightly easier because 1)in my country i ym pretty visible anyway, 2)the majority of my emails are in a relatively obscure language, 3) if someone really wants to snoop on me they would do anyway, i do not live in a bunker. and i can always have another account if i want to write any love letters etc. of course gathering information is not that pleasant, it depends on the user how much he or she wants to share. it can be disturbing at times - i have discussed a death of a well known person in gmail yesterday with a friend, and the page showed ads for funeral services. that was kinda creepy, but still - nobody is forced to use it, or use it for everything.

Mat Says:

January 16th, 2009, 10:19 am

“Google will tell you that they don’t know who you are, but this is not true. You probably have personal information in your email, for example, which they search. Chrome and google docs are there to gather info on you.”

Google’s product is selling advertising, they are an advertising company at the core.

I would recommend reading:
http://rajeshbarnabas.newsvine.com/_news/2008/02/29/1335333-the-good-guy-behind-dont-be-evil-and-google-mail

this portion might be of the most interest:
“I think it was something where the concept was really unfamiliar. The first reaction is, it does sound a bit weird. But if you actually think about it, there really are no privacy violation issues, because it is exactly the same as a spam filter technology. But we discovered, that when people hear about it, it sounds bad. But when you actually experience it, you just see it and it makes sense. You think, “Oh, this isn’t so bad. It’s just that whenever I am looking at a page, it shows me some related ads.””

David S. ( @seemsArtless ) Says:

January 16th, 2009, 11:16 am

Ha, a great list, but…. Like Corey said above, a ‘Spam Back’ button sounds like an excellent idea, but the whole reason we have Spam is that the From e-mail address is trivial to fake and is almost ALWAYS wrong. Unfortunately a spammer pretended to be from my domain for a while, and I got countless e-mail back from email systems saying “Could not deliver e-mail to abc123@ourcompany.com.”

So there IS no way to Spam Back, and you shouldn’t even bother looking at the From address in the e-mail header.

Of course, if you clicked on the button and it said “Peeing in spammer’s tea” that would be satisfying!

Brett Says:

January 16th, 2009, 23:49 pm

Leo, I usually read you site because of the functional value and not for any humor. However, this post was very funny while at the same time providing some insight into your thinking on how to be more efficient. Good work.

Manic Says:

January 17th, 2009, 2:05 am

I want google map connected to my gmail account so I can see where in the world my friends are when they send me emails.

Not sure if this is feasible or even possible but would be a lot of fun.

Manic

robert Says:

January 17th, 2009, 6:10 am

I would like the ability for lock myself out of gmail for an hour at a time so that i stop screwing around. I have installed the “take a break” plugin but it only blocks gmail for 15 mins. Also I have leech block on my firefox which allow me block myself in all sort of cruel ways.
Anyone looking to enhance their gmail should click on the labs tab in their gmail and theres all sort of delightful addons. Rob.

Alex Says:

January 17th, 2009, 15:42 pm

What about your New year’s challenge, I dont see no blog postings about your daily meditations … Did you quit?

Brenda Says:

January 18th, 2009, 11:18 am

WOW, first post I ever read here and now I feel compelled to respond. This was great to read, many chuckles.

@CV YES on customize the links above, and log into more than one account at a time. I can do it with Yahoo messenger and my home ISP. can’t be that hard.

@Joe, thanks for the F11 info!!

@Ash, +1 to Gcoffee, surely someone would take pity and write a little app for GFrench Vanilla Creamer? :)

@Angie - +1 for Mobile Notes!

@Mulungu - thanks for gmail -> thunderbird. I’m going to try it out and see how sorting goes there. Maybe I can pump more than one gmail account and color code.

@Jerry Roberts - GMakeup here please :)

Okay now for my own suggestion, PURELY TONGUE IN CHEEK!
Combine GStalker and Spam Back, to tell Google to trace back spam, and forward pictures of the people who own companies that spam to their local newspapers with the caption. Local Spamboy!! I do sense a little frustration/anger in the enthusiasm of posts that vote for Spam Back. Count me in.

Thanks for a wonderful introduction to your site!! Off to explore!

Brenda

WhirlMind Says:

January 18th, 2009, 17:53 pm

@CV, Comment No. 10

For multiple gmail accounts, if you use Firefox, the add-on called Gmail Notifier is good….

Mandark Says:

January 19th, 2009, 7:40 am

@CV:

If you use firefox, there are a couple of extensions that will do both of these things. Try “better gmail” and “gmail manager”.

Jugsi Funny Says:

January 19th, 2009, 10:40 am

What can I say about Google…it’s wordly great… what I’m curious about them is what services are they going to have in 10 years from now…I guess sci-fi

Ryan Says:

January 24th, 2009, 22:46 pm

Google Stalker is a great idea! I believe they already have a version of it though, it’s called Facebook! :)

GPS Says:

March 10th, 2009, 12:05 pm

Now about integration with mobile devices? Just imagine - you can sync your nokia phonebook with google address book, published docs with local phone storage, etc in a few steps. May be through intermediate data format and/or software.

Next, for music fans - downloading youtube clips directly to iPod (and other portative players) memory with format converstions “on the fly”.

venkat Says:

May 8th, 2009, 10:21 am

I like to see Google launching Operating System rival to Microsoft Windows.