Google Docs Could Be Used in Off-Line Mode

With the Chromebook’s main marketing point being that all of its functionality is based on an Internet connection, be it 3G or WiFi, one of the most worrying problem with Chrome OS is its lack of support for offline applications, for as much as we would like to have WiFi or 3G coverage in every nook and cranny on this planet, in some places the signal would not be worth the hassle.

Unfortunately this limited many of Google’s applications, the most affected being Google Docs. However, following many users that saw signs of code being tested, as well as a member of Google Docs’ team stating that

you’re going to see offline start to roll out later this summer”, it is clear that this web application will soon be granted offline functionality. The developer also stated that “We’ve been re-implementing offline using HTML5 standards like AppCache, File API, and IndexDB. We’re some of the first web apps that are really putting those standards to the test, so it’s taken a while to iron out the kinks.

With the idea that Google Docs will also implement offline support for their files, it is clear to see that the Chromebook will soon increase its popularity. However, this new functionality will not be restricted to Chrome OS users, as Google plans to extend the offline services to its Docs app in all forms, practically handing out a completely free and high-end office suite to anyone with a Google account.

The most interesting thing would be Microsoft’s response to all this. While there have been free alternatives to the giant’s long reigning Office Suite (such as Open Office), none have managed to break the iron curtain held by them. However, considering the vast amount of people with Google accounts, as well as the company’s strong marketing and development team, not to mention the implications of the web app’s possible ability to sync offline and online edits, it’s easy to say that Microsoft will finally have a worthy contestant.

All in all, Google’s decision to implement offline support for its Docs application comes as a wake-up call, because while the Chromebook is a work of vision, the current market and mentality cannot yet completely delve into the online, and still cling to offline apps. Perhaps in the future, once more technological breakthroughs are released to blur the line between offline and online, we will be ready to accept online-only systems.

At this time, although the development is going fast, there is no official word on when the offline implementation will be added to Google Docs.