The new combined Writely (online word processing) and Google Spreadsheets interface has just gone live, under
the name Google Docs & Spreadsheets. The
Writely.com site now re-directs to http://docs.google.com and the Writely brand has been
replaced by the usual no-frills Google brand. The homepage allows you to tag and sort
your files. There are also common functions, like import and export. The new doc and
spreadsheet pages now look almost identical, with similar tabs and layout. Here are some
initial screenshots:
Docs (nee Writely)
Spreadsheets
CNET has an early review:
"Today's release of Google Docs and Spreadsheets is a step forward, and I trust that Google will continue to improve the feature set, usability, and integration of these two products. At a preview for bloggers earlier today, we heard about some future plans like integration with Gmail (when you get a word processing file or a spreadsheet as an attachment, you'll have the option to open the file in Docs and Spreadsheets). The team is also working on APIs, so other programmers can access the functionality of the applications. Also, Google is going to "take a shot" at a disconnected version, for users who want to access files when they are offline. And they're working on other applications, too."
Note to Google: next time please invite me to your blogger previews! What am I, chopped liver? Anyway, while I still think this is a piecemeal solution, it looks like Google is putting a lot of effort into their web-based office solutions. Kudos to them.
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