As much as we take Google for granted, the search engine juggernaut has certainly changed the way we live our lives. It’s the go-to search engine for anything we don’t know, whether it’s how to fix a pipe or the latest news story. But there are a few things Google can do that we may not be aware of, and we’ve compiled a list of fifteen ways to make better use of the search engine.

One of the most useful things you may not have known about Google is that it can help you lose weight. The search engine has a great feature that provides comprehensive nutritional information on almost any food item you can think of. So, next time you’re at a restaurant or reaching for a snack, just Google the food item and its calorie count will be easily accessible.

Google is also great for navigation. While Google Maps may be the most commonly used tool, the site also provides information on minor landmarks and points of navigation, such as train stations. This makes getting around a new city or destination far easier.

The Google Chrome browser also has its own set of features. Google’s auto-translate functionality takes some of the pain out of reading foreign text on a website. It will detect if you’re looking at a website in a different language, and ask if you want it translated directly on the page, making navigating foreign websites much easier.

Google is also well known for the Google Doodle, a small image or animation on the search bar that commemorates historical events or notable people. The Google Doodle usually changes every day, and serves as a small reminder of important moments in history.

Google is also insanely confident in its search algorithm, and has a feature that allows users to jump straight to the first and most likely closest match with just a single click. This is called the “I’m Feeling Lucky” button, which skips the entire search results page entirely. It’s a bit of a gamble, but it’s an interesting way to search.

In addition to all these, Google Maps can also tell you how to travel from one place to another, including public transport information like timetables and train or bus schedules. The best part about all these is that they’re free, which makes Google a great source of information for those travelling on a budget.

If you’re someone who likes to keep up with current events, Google News Alerts can provide you with instant notifications of any new content related to a particular subject. You’ll receive an email alert whenever a new article is written, which is great for staying up to date on the latest news.

Another excellent feature on Google is the ability to store your Smartphone’s phone number and email database, allowing you to recover the information if the phone is lost or stolen, or when you upgrade to a new phone. This saves you the hassle of finding ways to get in touch with your contacts to get their digits once again.

Google can also help you find the definition of a word. All you need to do is type “define” followed by the word, and Google will provide you with a comprehensive definition. This is probably one of the most commonly used features of Google.

One lesser-known feature of Google Docs is the real-time co-authoring option, which allows multiple people to work on the same document or presentation simultaneously. This is great for team projects and makes collaboration much easier. As an added bonus, Google Chat can be used alongside Google Docs, allowing people to discuss the document in real-time as they work on it.

Perhaps one of the most useful features of Google is the ability to adjust the reading level of your search results. This is particularly helpful if you’re doing research or if you’re looking for information on a topic that’s not your area of expertise. The tool is great for beginners, as it filters search results based on reading level.

While Google Streetview is well known for allowing users to take a virtual tour of the world’s streets, it also has some quirky features. Google Streetview has inadvertently caught people in unflattering poses while they were out and about, which has given the search engine a reputation for pushing boundaries.

If you’re travelling and looking for information on local businesses, Google can help you find them quickly and easily. All you need to do is enter the topic of your search, followed by your postcode, and Google will provide you with a list of the most popular local businesses.

For those who frequently travel and need to convert currencies, Google offers a simple currency conversion tool that provides real-time updates on how the currencies have been performing in relation to each other over the previous years. This allows you to make more informed decisions when converting currencies.

Finally, if you’re in the market for a new tool or toy, Google can help you narrow down your options by searching for something “better than” something else. The search engine will provide you with a list of alternatives that are similar but may be a better fit for your needs. It’s a great way to get a sense of what the market has to offer.

In conclusion, Google is a powerhouse search engine that can make our lives easier in many ways. While its primary function is still search, the search engine has a host of features and functionalities that we may not be aware of. By making use of these great tools, we can make the most of what Google has to offer.