Google Toolbar got an update today that enables users to open Word and Excel files located on web using Google Docs applications. I think this feature release has very important implications in terms of usage of Microsoft applications. For users who had already moved over to using Writely and Google Spreadsheets as their default word editor and using Microsoft apps for any downloaded .doc and .xls files, don’t need to do so any more. Once Google builds or acquires a powerpoint app, adds graph support and more to existing apps, lot of users won’t be looking to upgrade to Office 2007.
EditGrid had already made available its bookmarklet and spreadsheet viewer that makes it easy to open spreadsheets located on web.
I like the fact that the integration between Docs and among other Google apps was done inside the toolbar instead of Google applications like Gmail. This makes sure that the change in not forced upon users who might not have compatible or updated browsers.
Only issue I see with new setup is that any files you open using Google Docs and Spreadsheets, they automatically get saved to your account. This might not be required in every case and you might often find yourself deleting files that you just wanted to view once.
Among other changes, Google Bookmarks option in the toolbar has been updated to provide you with a quick dropdown view of all tags and bookmarks associated with your account. If anyone is looking to move over to Google Bookmarks from del.icio.us, checkout the script located at persistent.info.
Links:
Google Toolbar
