Google is taking a shot at their own version of the service. It’s called Sidewiki, and it just launched. Sidewiki is part of Google Toolbar (and it will be built directly into Google’s Chrome browser). Users activate the service by clicking on a button and a sidebar appears to the left of whatever website is being viewed. (more…)

Google have released version 3.5 of their free image management application, Picasa.

Available for PC and Mac in English only, Picasa 3.5 adds functionality that bring the desktop client features in line with those already offered on Picasa Web Albums. The Linux version of Picasa, which currently stands at version 3.0, has not been updated. (more…)

Thin Calendar is a Dateline-inspired Windows app that does much the same thing, but gives you access to your Google Calendar appointments instead of the Mac-only iCal. Thin Calendar has a semi-transparent, unobtrusive interface that won’t get in the way of your other windows. It’s great for people who frequently need to use the Google Calendar web interface. (more…)

Google is rolling out a handful of changes to the way it handles labels in Gmail. First, labels are moving into the top left-side navigation area, right by your shortcuts for inbox, sent, starred, and other items. You can also choose to hide some labels while showing others.

Probably one of the biggest changes is that users will now be able to drag and drop messages into labels. In other words, you can sort your messages much the same way that you would add them to folders in almost any other webmail system. (more…)

Google just added a new feature to everyone’s Gmail accounts that allows you to open PowerPoint files (with the PPT file extension) right there in your email. This isn’t a surprise because it had peaked out about a month ago, but it is nice to finally have it available in my Gmail account.

Now when there is a PowerPoint file attached there will be a new option located between the “View as HTML” and “Download” which says “View as slideshow.” This will open up a new window or tab and immediately show you the PowerPoint presentation. (more…)