This week I spoke at a tech conference for teachers, and I was reminded of the myriad of instant tools that Google puts at your fingertips.
Here’s a quick punch list of things you can do:
Quick Links
Flip a Coin
Google will help you flip a coin, roll dice, choose a random number and more… just by typing those phrases into the search bar.
Set a Timer
Google “10 minute timer” and Google will give you… get this… a 10-minute timer. You can also use it as a stopwatch.
Calculate Anything
Just put a problem or equation or other figuring challenge into the Google search bar, and your result comes up first. It also works with conversions, exchange rates and more number-y things.
Discover Random Facts
Google “Fun Fact” and the search engine shares, well, fun facts.Â
Go Beyond a Normal Google
Go to Google.com and hold your cursor over the “I’m Feeling Lucky” button.
It’ll spin around and offer different phrases such as…
Find a Job
Just search “jobs” in the search bar, and Google shares listings in your area from a number of sites.
Manage Your Allergies and Check the Weather
Today in San Diego, I might get the sniffles. I know because I searched Google for “pollen count” and received a seasonal allergy report for my area. But I’m not worried about the pollen because it’s so beautiful here today… a fact that I confirmed by Googling “weather” to get my local forecast.
Watch Your Calories
Ask Google to tell you the calories in chicken, the fat in a cupcake or the protein in an egg.
Take a Breath
Type “breathing exercise” for a one-minute, I hate to say it, breathing exercise.