Journal 9

The Gears of War: The New Google Product That Could Augur The Death Of Microsoft, by Harry McCracken

Google seems to be constantly reinventing the wheel, always adding new features, trying to stay on the cutting edge of technology. The latest addition to Google’s portfolio is entitled, Google Gears. It is a new browser plug-in for Firefox and Internet Explorer that allows the user to access to-dos by using bits of Javascript code stored which allows the users to add, delete and edit tasks when off line. The advantages of this program is you can do work while traveling, either on a plane or in a car or where internet access is not available. The idea is just like Microsoft, the user will be able to manage his or her tasks and schedule. The caveat is, the user can do it offline and for much less, try free! You are looking at paying around 500$ for the Microsoft software versus using Google for free. I have no problem with this, I hope it will be a successful plug-in and that I can take advantage of it.

My first question is, would I be able to use this in my class? I think I could and it would be great for the kids, especially, if it’s free. School districts should be inclined to push for students using it, it would save them a lot of money. It is really amazing the kinds of things that you are now able to do, on and off line. It will really be interesting to see what life is like two decades from now and how technology has improved it.