CHENNAI: Google is everywhere — from the search bar to videos on YouTube and the smartphone in your hand. City Express takes a look at things one can do with the giant's nifty tools as it shifts from the desktop to your pocket. Using Google search, you can do the following:
Conversions
Convert currency — just input the value of money you want converted to the target currency. eg: type ‘convert 500 pounds to rupees’ and hit enter. The same works for weights and distances too.
Calorie conscious?
On a diet and want to stick to it? Do some quick computing by keying in ‘pizza calories’. You can even choose the type and size of the pizza! Works for most other foods too.
Timer
So, you’re taking a sample test and you want to time yourself, but don’t have a watch handy. Simply key in ‘timer 10 minutes’ and you’re good to go. You also have the stopwatch option.
How to
If you want to know how to do a specific task, just ask Google. ‘How to open a TIF file?’ will throw up a summary from the most read article on the topic and give you the answer without you opening any web site.
English tutor
If you want to know the meaning or origin of the word, just type ‘define fissile’, ‘Jesus etymology’ or ‘enthusiastic synonyms’ to get a list. No more leafing through bulky dictionaries.
Tip calculator
Just type tip calculator and it pops up. You can enter the bill amount, the tip% and the no. of people. Default currency is dollar, but works the same for all other currencies.
Language guru
Want to know at least a few words in the local language — a conversation starter perhaps? Just key in ‘Hello friend in Spanish’ and you’ll get ‘Hola Amigo’ as the result.