10 Google Hacks and Tricks to Make Life Easy - Telstra Media

Google has grown from a simple internet search engine, in the 90's, to a global technology powerhouse. Did you know there are some Google hacks and tricks that can make life much easier - dare we say fun?

Here is our list of 10 Google hacks and tricks to make life easy:

1. Don’t have a timer handy? In the search window type set timer for and the length of time that you require. For example, set a timer for 60 seconds and up pops a handy timer. The timer will continue even if you navigate away from the page and will chime when complete. This is handy for timing how long a child is on the internet or how long they are permitted to play before they do their homework. 

2. Type the words near me in the search window and Google will present you with a list of your desired subject close to you. For example Chinese restaurant near me will give you restaurant results close to your location. You may be surprised to discover a new place.

3. Google can also act as a translator, giving you words, phrases or sentences in other languages. This comes in handy on social media when your friend posts something in their native tongue – surprise them by replying. Learn a simple phrase and make someone happy by reciting it in their own language. Hearing a common phrase (such as Hello or I hope you’re well) could make someone’s day. 

4. By searching define:  you’ll receive a definition for the word following the colon.

5. Having trouble remembering that metaphor your Grandmother used to say? You can conduct a search replacing the unknown word with an asterisk (*). Google will give you results using the wildcard asterisk, helping you narrow down the phrase you’re looking for. For instance, *for your thoughts and results appear for penny for your thoughts.

6. Quickly get a score update from your favourite team. Type the word Score after your team name. For instance, Cavaliers Score.

7. Are you on a health kick and trying to get into shape? Google will give you the comparative calories, carbohydrate and potassium content between food items. For example, type Banana vs Avocado in the search bar to see the results.

8. Need an answer for a tricky mathematical equation? Nothing’s too difficult for Google. Enter your calculation and let Google do its thing. Even equations in parentheses aren’t a match for Google’s superior talent.

9. Planning to have a day out with family and friends? Check the current weather information in your area by typing temperature into the search bar. You can get specfic location weather information by typing the city or town after temperature.

10. Everyone hates getting to the airport only to find that their flighted is delayed, right? Get up-to-date flight information before you leave home by typing the flight name and number into the search bar.