Google novelties

I'm a Google-fan. I use the search machine on a daily basis, but Google has more. I use Google in English, but it's also available in Dutch and a lot of other languages.

I have a free Gmail-account with a 2661 MB inbox, which comes in handy with large files. It is web-based, but I installed Gmail Notifier to my taskbar that tells me when I've got new mail. Gmail is on invite only, but if you want an account let me know; I've got plenty of invitations left.

Lately I discovered Google Earth, free software for personal use and no registration is required. I installed it and had a lot of fun with it already! The idea is simple. It’s a globe that sits inside your PC. You point and zoom to any place on the planet that you want to explore. Satellite images and local facts zoom into view. Tap into Google search to show local points of interest and facts. Zoom to a specific address to check out an apartment or hotel. View driving directions and even fly along your route. Interested? Take the tour and see for yourself!

Today I read about Google Print. You can just do a search there. When Google finds a book whose content contains a match for your search terms, they'll link to it in your search results. Click a book title and you'll see the page of the book that has your search terms, along with other information about the book and "Buy this Book" links to online bookstores (you can view the entirety of public domain books or, for books under copyright, just a few pages or in some cases, only the title’s bibliographic data and brief snippets). You can also search for more information within that specific book and find nearby libraries that have it. More info here. You need to sign in, because many of the books in Google Print are still under copyright. It's a first Beta-version, not perfect yet but I like it already!
Of course the first word I tried was "witch". The result was great and I discovered that amongst others Llewellyn is participating. I think you can guess my next search? The result for "Robbie Williams" was interesting too!

Okay, enough for now! I assure you I don't have a share in Google (unfortunately... ;-) ).