Websperiments: Google Docs sorta works
Reader Christi wanted to know if the iPhone’s version of Safari worked with Google Docs. The answer? A definite maybe. I was able to get into the Google Docs site with no problem, and even read both a word processing document and a spreadsheet (the former worked perfectly, and the second so-so, but Google disclaims a lack of Safari support for it even on the Mac).
However, there is a catch: you don’t seem to be able to edit documents at all: clicking on the page does not bring up the iPhone’s keyboard. So you won’t be using your iPhone to write any lengthy missives, likely, or hack away at the crucial document for work. On the upside, if you need to refer to something in a Google Doc, you’re all set. I also would be far from surprised to see Google and Apple bring us editable Google Docs in the not too distant future.
Not every site works poorly though: I had good success with Netflix’s site. I logged in, searched for a DVD, and added it to my queue with no problems. You don’t seem to be able to rate selections, but that’s okay: I love the idea that I can easily add something to my queue when I think of it, no matter where I am.
Update: Colleague and speed demon Dan Frakes points out that you can actually edit docs by clicking on the “Edit HTML” link on Docs’s “menu bar.” Granted, you’ll be editing the raw HTML code, which is a little messier, but if you’re in a jam, it might be enough!
Category: Musings
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Comments (6)
"...disclaims a lack of Safari support...." Sorry, that's a couble negative. "Disclaims support for Safari" is correct if you want to use "disclaims." "Admits a lack of support for Safari" would be a less flowery way to say the same thing.
Posted by B. Jefferson Le Blanc | June 30, 2007 8:17 PM
Hopefully, Google can make this work. I mean with all the other Google integration on iPhone, you'd think making Docs work can't be terribly hard.
Posted by David | July 1, 2007 2:46 AM
What the public will learn, and the naysayers are neglecting, is that "the iPhone is the first powerful handheld multimedia computer that also has a phone".
Apple has the deserved reputation of continually improving released products. Web Apps are already being written and delivered,. Apple, AT&T and (selected) core application designers will continually deliver improvements via painless updates, and entirely new capabilities through software...many more will realize the paradigm-changing nature of the iPhone.
Posted by hardman | July 1, 2007 7:17 PM
The biggest problem for this besides the GoogleDocs asctually working in iPhone Safari is the lack of the cut and paste function on the iPhone.
This is a major shortcoming on the smartphone functionality, and something that must be fixed in a software release. Not sure how they will do this easily within the minimalist menu system, but it is a must. Not that I won't get used to working around it until it is fixed. Most everything else works so elegantly, that i can afford to wait. Though I hope Apple takes this seriously. Also, along the same lines, they really need to have a doc creation utility beyond the Notes ap, and make that functionality available in a Word processor ap of some sort (whether Google or a propriety doc ap). Long term this could hurt though I think in the short term, most will work with it.
I think with the Backpack guys and zoho guys working on stuff, that something will be introduced soon. And of course, I would think that Google Gears will come with some solution to do this eventually.
Posted by Paul | July 2, 2007 12:28 AM
Actually, it's quite easy. I've done this since Day 1.
Write using Notes on the iPhone and simply email the file to your Google Docs account - Go to the UPLOAD section and you'll see a special email address for mailing in docs. It's really long, but you only have to enter it once. After it sends, just go to your sent mail and add the contact DOCS.
From then on, once your iPhone syncs again, sending a new doc is as easy as a quick email, from Mac or iPhone.
Posted by kevingossett | July 3, 2007 10:26 AM
Yes, I have tried it and it works. The only issue I am having right now is that I cannot e-mail the document file to someone as a doc file, for instance. Try it and compare on both your computer and your iPhone and you will see what I talking about. When I click on "e-mail" on the iphone, I get a partial window. If google can somehow work it so that we can get the full window it will make creating, updating, and sharing documents even more pleasurable.
Posted by Richard Lawrence | July 8, 2007 1:00 AM