Google has launched a new service called Google Keep, which will enable you to take and share notes and checklists like Evernote.
After a briefly leaked version appeared on Google Drive a few days ago, now Google has officially announced Google Keep’s launch on Android and through your desktop browser over on the Google blog.
Essentially, this is Google’s answer to Evernote. Google Keep allows you to quickly jot down notes, attach individual images, make lists and record voice messages on your Android phone (via the new Keep app). You can instantly access these notes through an offshoot of the Google Drive web page.
In true Google style it’s all about function over form – though that’s not to say either the app or the web browser page are ugly. They have that stylishly minimalistic thing that has become a Google trademark in recent years.
But Google Keep is incredibly simple. From the app you have the main option to add a note, or a tool bar across the top offering shortcuts to the above alternative functions. That’s it.
You can edit notes once you’ve made them, and even add a new background colour to help them stand out. You can also search for notes, Google style.
Google Keep isn’t bereft of sophistication, though. The main thing is the speed of it all. Thanks to a beautifully pure widget, you can have a quick note scrawled on your phone far quicker than Evernote or any other note-taking rival.
The recording tool is also excellent – it doesn’t just upload the recording for you, it will transcribe it too.
Speed and accessibility are arguably more important than advanced features in a note taking app such as this, so we reckon Google Keep is more Gmail than Google Reader – in other words, it has a future.
What do you think of Google Keep? Does its simplicity capture what you need in a note taking app, or do you find it lacking? Let us know in the comments section below, or via the Trusted Reviews Twitter and Facebook feeds.
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Editorial independence
Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.
