Google Unveils PowerPoint Competitor
Yesterday, Google launched Presently, its online presentation creator and its direct competitor to Microsoft’s PowerPoint. As with Google documents and spreadsheets, users can collaborate in real time from different locations: the PowerPoint competitor lets them simultaneously create, share, and view presentation slide decks via a Web browser.
On the face of it, Google has now replicated all the main features of Microsoft Office for its online office suite, although, as some have pointed out, its package is missing several of Microsoft’s flashier bells and whistles.
The main novelty of the Web-based application, and the main aspect that Google hopes will give it an edge, is that it eliminates the need to create multiple versions of the same file as the file evolves in a work flow. By putting the presentation application online, everyone working on it will literally be on the same page.
But will Google Docs, as its office suite is known, ultimately replace the Microsoft Office suite? That will depend in large part on its appeal in a corporate marketplace where Microsoft is currently king. It’ll be an uphill battle, but Google is making a fine start.
Keep Reading
Most Popular
DeepMind’s cofounder: Generative AI is just a phase. What’s next is interactive AI.
“This is a profound moment in the history of technology,” says Mustafa Suleyman.
What to know about this autumn’s covid vaccines
New variants will pose a challenge, but early signs suggest the shots will still boost antibody responses.
Human-plus-AI solutions mitigate security threats
With the right human oversight, emerging technologies like artificial intelligence can help keep business and customer data secure
Next slide, please: A brief history of the corporate presentation
From million-dollar slide shows to Steve Jobs’s introduction of the iPhone, a bit of show business never hurt plain old business.
Stay connected
Get the latest updates from
MIT Technology Review
Discover special offers, top stories, upcoming events, and more.