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Google has announced that it’s rolling out a Docs editor for certain versions of Android and Apple’s iOS. In the past, you could only access and view Docs files on a smart phone, as opposed to editing and sharing them, as you would on a laptop.
The editor means you’ll be able to open up and play with your Google Docs files on particular smart phones and tablets, like the iPad, increasing your productivity on the bus. Visit docs.google.com in a browser on a supported device, select the doc you want to edit, and press the ‘edit’ button. Simples.
Although the mobile editor offers less functionality than the desktop version –it won’t allow you to create new files — you can edit any of your existing Docs files in real-time. If you’re looking at a shared file, edits that somebody makes in their browser will be visible to you as well. The formatting of your Docs will be preserved across devices. Android phone users will also be able to use their voice to input text, as well as add bullet points. Watch the video below to see the software in action.
Try not to whip out your mobile on holiday and fiddle with your presentation too much, though — your loved one probably won’t be too happy about it. An Internet connection is crucial too — you won’t be able to edit your files on the Tube, unless Boris has his way. Another downside is that many people will probably find it fiddly to edit docs on their smart phone due to the screen’s small size, so tablet owners will probably find Docs much easier to use.
The Google Docs editor will be available for Apple’s iOS version 3.0 and above, and Android 2.2 Froyo and above. Android 2.1 owners will be left out in the cold, so a fair few people won’t be able to use the functionality, including Sony Ericsson Xperia X10, Motorola Dext and HTC Wildfire owners.
