Google Slides vs PowerPoint Online

2018. Skype and PowerPoint got real-time subtitles


PowerPoint and Skype have announced the upcoming introduction of real-time captions and subtitles in 2019. This new feature is designed to provide accessibility for individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing, enabling them to read the spoken words during PowerPoint presentations or video calls on Skype. Moreover, the subtitles offer the capability to include presentation translations. The live captions and subtitles will support 12 spoken languages and display on-screen in over 60 different languages. Presenters will have the ability to customize the appearance of the subtitles to align with their presentation's visual style, and the speech recognition technology will adapt to provide more accurate terminology based on the context. In Skype, the subtitles will be available during one-to-one video calls and will automatically scroll on the screen. Microsoft has also mentioned that they are working on providing additional viewing options, including the ability to scroll through the captions in a side window.


2018. Google Slides gets real-time automated captions



Google is introducing an exciting new addition to its Slides presentation tool, allowing users to activate real-time automated captions during their live presentations. This feature proves to be immensely valuable for individuals who are hard of hearing or deaf, as well as for those who prefer reading over listening. The capability is currently being rolled out to all Slides users who have set their default language to U.S. English and utilize the Chrome browser. Google has plans to expand this feature to support additional languages in the future. To activate the feature, users can simply click on the new "CC" button in the Slides navigation box and continue using their computer's microphone as usual.


2016. Google Slides adds Q&A feature to help presenters connect with their audiences


Google has introduced a new functionality for its presentation service Slides, enabling presenters to receive questions and feedback from their audience. Additionally, audience members can vote for their preferred questions. Presenters can initiate a Q&A session by clicking a button in the Slides presenter view. On mobile devices, this feature will be accessible through the "audience tools" button. Subsequently, a link to the customized Q&A for the specific presentation will appear above the slides. This feature enhances the efficiency of post-presentation Q&A sessions, particularly at events where it can be assumed that the audience has smartphones or laptops at their disposal. This is especially valuable for individuals who prefer not to approach a microphone and ask questions in front of a large audience (as those who do might be excessively enthusiastic about being in the spotlight).


2015. Google Slides now allows to present from Android phones


Google Slides, Google's equivalent to PowerPoint, has introduced a new feature that enables users to deliver presentations from any Android phone or tablet directly to a Hangouts video call. With the Slides app, all you have to do is click on the present button, and if the meeting is scheduled on your calendar, you can commence your presentation immediately. Throughout your presentation, you can utilize your phone or tablet to navigate through slides, access your speaker notes, and keep track of time using the app's built-in timer (as no one wants a presentation that goes overtime). Google emphasizes that even while presenting, you can still see the participants of the video call.


2011. Google Presentations adds real-time collaboration



Google continues to compete with Zoho and SlideRocket for being the online presentations champion. Today Google rolled out completely new Google Presentations editor. It adds more than 60 new features, but the main one - is the ability to collaborate on a presentation in real-time. Everything is very similar to collaborative tools in Google Docs and Google Spreadsheets that appeared last year: in the right pane you can see who is currently working on the presentation, chat with them. And in the presentation view, you can see what objects the collaborators are currently editing (these object are highlighted with the corresponding colors). And with the help of Google+ Hangouts you can even video chat with colleagues while co-creating the presentation. ***


2007. Google Presentations goes live

In a much-anticipated development, Google has officially launched Google Presentations, integrating it as a functional component of Google Docs for all users. The release boasts several key features: the ability to create and store presentations online, accessible from any internet-connected computer; easy management, updating, and sharing of presentations through simple email invitations; real-time collaborative editing and contribution to the same presentation; seamless web-based slide show presentations with no special setup required; integrated chat for real-time interaction with viewers; the option to import existing presentations for a quick start; and the ability to publish presentations publicly or selectively to chosen individuals. Google Presentations resembles the familiar look and feel of Docs and Spreadsheets and handles Microsoft PowerPoint presentations up to 10MB effortlessly. A detailed review will follow soon, but in the meantime, users can explore and experience it firsthand at docs.google.com.


2006. Presenting: Online slide show software

Google's challenge to Microsoft's Office suite is well-known, particularly with its online word processor, Writely, and its spreadsheet tool, Google Spreadsheets. However, PowerPoint is Microsoft's most vulnerable application, given its popularity among business travelers and its potential for revolutionizing sales presentations. While Google has not yet unveiled its own PowerPoint competitor, several startups such as Zoho, Structured Data, and ThinkFree are testing online presentation services that give us a glimpse of what's to come. Zoho's ZohoShow, currently in closed alpha testing, offers basic features like text charts, graphics, and image imports from Flickr. Each presentation has a unique web address for easy sharing, although additional features like secure sharing and remote slide control are needed. Structured Data's Thumbstacks has a slightly more refined user experience, with basic slide creation and image import from Flickr. It allows remote control of up to five other viewers' displays. ThinkFree Show is the most developed of the presentation tools, closely resembling Microsoft Office with good file compatibility. However, all these products still lack certain advanced features and the ability to work offline. While ThinkFree currently competes most closely with PowerPoint, Zoho shows promise with its suite of online applications and may catch up quickly. The future may see users relying less on traditional office suites as online alternatives continue to improve.