Google, a titan in the software industry, has built an impressive suite of applications that many users rely on daily, such as Gmail, Maps, and YouTube. However, amidst this impressive portfolio, there exist a few applications that seem to languish in a state of underdevelopment, leaving users yearning for more robust features. Here, we delve into four such apps that could greatly benefit from enhancements.
Google Keep
Google Keep, while a staple for note-taking, often feels too simplistic for users seeking a more dynamic experience. The app offers basic text formatting options, such as bold, italic, and underline, but lacks advanced features like color customization or varied font sizes. Despite its launch over a decade ago, significant updates to its formatting capabilities only arrived recently, with desktop enhancements following shortly thereafter.
Users can upload images to notes, but these images appear at the top, lacking the flexibility to be positioned as desired. While labels help in organizing notes, the absence of a notebook feature, common in competing applications, limits its usability. Although Google aims for simplicity, a few additional features could enhance user experience without sacrificing the app’s core appeal. Many former users, including myself, have migrated to alternatives that offer a richer set of tools.
Google Tasks
In the realm of task management, Google Tasks presents a stark contrast to its competitors. While it integrates seamlessly with other Google services, its functionality is disappointingly basic. Users accustomed to feature-rich applications like Todoist may find Google Tasks lacking in essential capabilities.
Unlike Todoist, which allows for natural language input to create recurring tasks effortlessly, Google Tasks offers little beyond simple list creation and task starring. The absence of features such as priority levels, filters, and sub-projects makes it challenging for users to manage their to-do lists effectively. Given Google’s extensive resources, one would expect a more comprehensive task management solution rather than this rudimentary offering.
YouTube Music
YouTube Music stands out as the most developed app on this list, yet it still faces significant challenges in competing with platforms like Spotify. While it serves as a decent music streaming service, the podcast feature feels like an afterthought, lacking the integration and discovery capabilities that users desire.
Finding new podcasts is cumbersome, as the discovery tools are not as sophisticated as those offered by rival applications. Additionally, the limitations of the free plan, such as the inability to play music in the background when the screen is off, detract from the overall user experience. In contrast, Spotify’s free version allows for background playback, making it a more appealing option for users who often listen while on the go.
Google Wallpapers
The Google Wallpapers app, while intriguing in concept, falls short in execution. Upon discovering it on an older device, the initial excitement quickly faded due to its limited selection and basic functionality. With only ten categories of wallpapers available, the app pales in comparison to competitors like Zedge, which offers a far more extensive library.
Moreover, the quality of the wallpapers tends to be generic, lacking the creativity that users might expect from a company known for its innovative designs. The absence of integration with Gemini, which could allow for custom wallpaper creation based on user prompts, further highlights missed opportunities for enhancement. The app’s simplicity raises questions about its necessity, especially when compared to more feature-rich alternatives.
These four applications exemplify areas where Google could invest in improvements to better meet user expectations. As the tech landscape continues to evolve, enhancing these offerings could significantly elevate user satisfaction and engagement.
