Google Chrome, Gmail and Play Store – Features and Update Tips

For most people, Google is a popular search engine developed in the mid-1990s and has become an integral part of our everyday lives. However, there is more to this term than just being the go-to search engine when searching the internet.

Google also offers other products that we have grown accustomed to, such as, Google Chrome, Gmail and Play Store. These three products from the popular multinational technology company not only lets users search the web but also send and receive emails as well as download and install apps on their Android devices.

Google Chrome

This is Google’s free internet browser that was launched in 2008. Originally designed for Microsoft Windows, this web browser is now supported by other platforms like Android, iOS, Linux and MacOS. Some of its features include integration with other Google sites and services like YouTube and Gmail. It also offers in-browser translation and spell check as well as tabbed browsing. The Chrome browser is designed to automatically download and install updates as they are launched. For those who are using older Chrome versions, it is best to visit the Chrome download page to check for updates. It is also important to verify the version of your browser and update it manually, if necessary.

Chrome Browser Update

• Open the browser.
• At the upper right hand corner of the screen, click on the Customize and Control Google Chrome button.
• When the drop down menu activates, choose Help and tap on About Google Chrome.
• Wait for Google Chrome to check for updates automatically and you will see what version of Google Chrome you have. If an update is needed, you will be given the option to install the update.

Gmail

This is a free web-based email service introduced by Google in 2004. With 15GB free storage space shared with other Google services like Google Drive, Gmail has remained one of the best, if not the best, email services to date. Since its introduction, this web application has undergone several updates. These are important not only to provide a smooth-running email service but also, to ensure previous bugs and issues with Gmail are fixed. For the Gmail app on your mobile phone, you will usually receive an email that will remind you to update to the latest Gmail app. If you already are using the Gmail app on your device, you will get a notification saying that your Gmail needs an update. Simply open the notification and click “OK”. Conversely, if you open the app from Play Store, you just have to tap on “Update”.

Google Play Store

The Play Store is the official hub of Google where you can download apps, songs, movies and games for free and for a price. Updates for the Play Store happen without you even noticing it since it is done automatically. These updates can include random bug fixes and enhancement of performance. But there is a trick to force-update Google Play Store. Simply launch the app, launch the menu and tap on Settings. Next, go to the bottom of the list and select “Build Number” entry. If an update has just been rolled out, you will receive a prompt informing you that a new version of the Play Store will be downloaded and installed.

Google updates for its services are important to maximize user experience. These also offer improvements and new features just like in the Google Play Store update. That said, it is utterly important not to ignore notifications for updates.