google tech

Google Keep is not preinstalled on all phones, which is a real bummer. It's one of the most focused and useful apps in Google's arsenal. On the surface it's a stylish basic note taking app, but dig deeper and it ties into several other Google services, making it easier to get things done. Here are five ways to unleash the amazing power of Google Keep.

Shopping list by voice

Add items to your shopping list without even touching the phone.

Keep is great for making lists, for example a shopping list. If you actually title one of your lists "shopping list," you can add new items to it without even opening the app. It's a simple matter of pulling up your Google voice search by tapping the mic in the search bar or using the "OK Google" hotword.

Just say, "Add to my shopping list," and you'll get a cool Google Now card that lets you list items one after another. When you're done, say "finished" or "that's it" to have everything you've added inserted into your shopping list note. You can also add single items in a single step by saying, "Add [item] to my shopping list." It's a remarkably well-developed feature.

Reminders

Reminders in your Keep notes show up in Google Now too.

Down at the bottom of each note in Keep is a "Remind me" button. You might never have paid attention to it because you already have reminders on your phone via Google Now. However, this feature is actually tightly integrated with Google Now.

When you tap the reminder button, you have the option of setting a time or location reminder. With the time, you just pick when you want a reminder notification pushed. For a location-based reminder, type in an address or the name of a location, and your device will remind you when you are nearby. All the reminders you set in Keep are accessible in Google Now—it's the same system. You have the added bonus of getting the note text right there in the reminder when you set it through Keep.