Google has earned the ire of many loyal fans due to its decision to abandon Google Reader. In fact, the outrage has overshadowed the launch of a new app: Google Keep.
Many of us fondly recall Google Reader. This helpful app was a great way to organise and maintain feeds from different website. Admittedly, I have not used the app in a long-time but I am sorry to see it go because I have not come across anything with the same level of functionality. Google’s decision has sparked debates amongst fans and critics about its policy towards its apps.
It has a history of launching apps and services on a whim and then cancelling later due to various reasons. This might not harm the company financially but a small group of users are always adversely affected. Yet, before we start questioning the worth of signing up with Google Keep, it deserves a fair and honest review.
What is Google Keep?
Google Keep is a comprehensive note-taking app for Android and Google Drive. The note-taking app on Android allows users to keep track of notes, lists and photos. In addition, users can use voice notes (transcribed automatically), colour-codes (8 colours), and archive notes with a simple swipe. These notes are also synced on Google Drive so users can access the notes on the web.
The web app (drive.google.com/keep) allows users to keep notes, lists and photos too. However, it doesn’t feature any of the cool voice features. Nor is there a Chrome app for Google Keep. Moreover, since the extension is not integrated with Google Chrome, users can’t make notes while surfing the web. However, Google has promised to allow users access to Google Keep via Google Drive.
Interface
Pros
Google Drive is extremely simple to use. A minimalistic input system allows users to quickly add lists, pictures and notes with a simple click. After adding a note, users can colour-code the notes. Moreover, the full access and synchronisation of the notes is a huge plus point.
Cons
One of the immediate problems for the Google Keep web app is the complete lack of basic editing tools (bold, italic, numbering, etc.). Another problem is organising the notes - colour coding can only get you so far. Unlike Evernote or Catch notes, users can’t add tags, hyperlinks, pictures from the web (pictures must be uploaded from the computer) or even move around notes with ease.
Also keep in mind that there is no offline support. Users can’t edit notes offline, which is not entirely problematic because users can use the offline feature on Google Drive.
Early Verdict
The reason this is an early verdict is because we know that Google is still in the process of developing the (web) app. It is yet to be integrated with Google Drive and we can assume this would making organising and editing easier. In its current form, Google Keep can’t reasonably compete with Catch, Evernote or OneNote.
It lacks a few basic features many of us would consider essential for any note taking app. However, there is no denying that the new app is very attractive, especially for those also using the Android app. The future of Google Keep is promising but only time will tell if it is worth keeping.
Reviewed by Navam Niles
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