Google's online document offerings have long been considered one of the easiest ways to create and edit documents, especially for the small price of nothing.
Not only that, but Google is showing no signs of slowing when it comes to tweaking Slides, Docs and Sheets, and it has just added Chromecast and AirPlay support to Slides for Android and iOS, making it a whole lot easier to give a presentation straight from your smartphone.
"Google Slides helps you tell beautiful, meaningful stories. But sometimes, presenting these stories can be a hassle, especially when wires, cables and connectors are needed," said the company in a blog post. "Now it's even easier to share your presentations on big screens — whether you're in a school board meeting, in charge of the slideshow at your best friend's wedding or pitching your dream business idea."
While this probably won't be very big news for large corporations, small businesses, students and others will welcome the news with open arms because it is free.
The updated Slides app doesn't just have wireless sharing features, however. It basically turns the user's smartphone into a remote control for the presentation, showing speaker notes and a timer to help the user better monitor their presentation.
"When you're up on the big screen, you can use your smaller screen to advance slides, view speaker notes and stay on track with a built-in timer," continued the company in a statement. "This way you can focus more on telling your story and engaging your audience ... instead of on logistics."
To use the new wireless sharing features, users simply have to open up a presentation in the Google Slides app and then press the cast icon. Until now, in order to cast a Slides presentation, it had to be done on a computer or by mirroring the smartphone display, which meant that things like speaker notes and the timer could not be used.
Google Chromecast has been increasing in popularity since it was released, not just because it makes streaming content from other devices easier, but also because of its ultralow cost. Officially, Chromecast costs a tiny $35, although it can be found online for even cheaper. Chromecast is also somewhat of a predecessor for Google's Android TV platform. It is thumb-sized media streaming device that plugs into the HDMI port on your TV and lets users cast entertainment or apps to the TV screen using an Android phone, tablet, iPhone, iPad, Mac or Windows laptop, or Chromebook.
AirPlay lets users wirelessly stream music, photos, and videos to their Apple TV, or stream music to AirPort Express or AirPlay-enabled speakers.
The move is also a big one toward creating a wireless world, a concept that businesses the likes of Apple and Google have been incorporating into their products more and more.
