We all knew it was only a matter of time before Google unveiled the 3rd piece of their office apps puzzle - the one presentation tool to rule them all. Well the wait is over hip cats, Google Presentations is here.
I've only had a few minutes to play with this bad boy so far, but in a word, Google Presentations, like everything else Google touches, is simple. The functionality is basic, with very few pre-built options for slide templates or themes, and no slide transitions that I could find. But regardless, its very easy to use, so it looks like we'll be chalking up another win in the applications column for Google.
There was one feature that appeared noticeably absent, at least in my relatively rushed opinion - the"discuss" tab, found on such wonderful apps as Google-Spreadsheets. For the non Google obsessives out there, the discuss tab basically allows collaborators to open a chat window within a document.. because calling people on the phone is so 1987. Most certainly not a must have, it would have been a nice touch. But then far be it from me to ever question the word of Google =)
If my own college experience is any indication, Google Presentation has the potential to be "the" biggest of the google-office apps, at least among students today. Don't get me wrong - collaborative document writing is huge. But powerpoints and keynotes presentations were by far the medium most likely to be involved in a "version mishap". Presentations, unlike papers or spreadsheets, are very fluid entities - depending on the person giving them, they may be changed and tweaked well into the 11th hour (sometimes even beyond). In the old world of email (thats fun/ depressing to say), different presentation styles meant different version of files, which ultimately lead to differences in stress levels and in some cases differences in grades. With Google Presentation in the mix, I can hear the giant sign of relief from my inner child, who is still having panic attacks about that consulting class presentation ;-)
I'm looking forward to seeing how this catches on and what fun little additions Google has planned for the future.
P.S. Did it seem like this Google-Presenter app just appeared out of no where, with very little fanfare or PR? Thanks to Mashable for being on the ball =)
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