Many people do not realize that Google Chrome is more than just a browser – it is a powerful operating system. As such, there are hundreds, if not thousands of applications you can add to it from the Chrome Web Store that can help your business do anything from managing projects to making training videos.
These applications come in two (2) flavors, (Chrome Extensions and Chrome Apps). Chrome Extensions are used to enhance the functionality of the Chrome Browser while Chrome Apps run within the browser and typically have a different user interface.
Both of these tools can greatly enhance a user’s experience while working in the browser as they bring some of the functionality “desktop” users (ie Windows/Mac) have come to expect to the browser.
Below are some of the basic Chrome Extensions and Apps that Cave Consulting has found to be very helpful to our business users:
Office Editing for Docs, Sheets & Slides
View and edit Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint files — without needing Microsoft Office installed on your computer.
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Use Hangouts to keep in touch via chat, SMS, phone or Video and find your conversations in Gmail. Screenshare and have video meetings with up to 150 people. Easy access from the Chrome Browser.
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Grammarly will make sure your messages, documents, and social media posts are clear, mistake-free, and impactful. Adding Grammarly to Chrome means that your spelling and grammar will be vetted on Gmail, Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin, Tumblr, and nearly everywhere else you write on the web.
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Awesome Screenshot: Screen Video Recording
Screencast, record screen as video. Screen capture for full page, annotate, blur sensitive info, and share with one-click uploads
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Screencastify – Screen Video Recorder
Capture, edit and share videos in seconds.
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Convert current web page to an Adobe PDF file (Windows only)
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Launch Chrome apps using a fancy popup.
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MS from Gmail ™ & Facebook™ and MightyText – SMS from PC & Text from Computer
Text using your Android phone # directly from Gmail™ or Facebook. See your calls & phone battery. SMS, MMS, group messaging, texting
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