by Muyiwa Matuluko

Google has evolved over the years to become something worth more than just a search engine.  Here is a list of 8 really cool applications of Google you probably didn’t know are possible. 

Calculate anything

Type any calculation into search, Google will show you the answer and also draw up a virtual calculator (not available on Opera Mini browser). The basic arithmetic operations can be applied; * + – / for multiplication, addition, subtraction and division respectively.  Of course BODMAS applies.

Google can also do advanced scientific calculations (you can delete your phone’s calculator app now). Go ahead, try  100*3.14-cos(83). or maybe 5*9+(sqrt 10)^3.

Google for quick translations

Google can translate to and from English for a vast range of languages including Yoruba, Igbo and Hausa. Just type translate ‘sentence with quotes’ to language of interest. The translations aren’t 100% perfect though.

For more advanced translations you can go to translate.google.com or download the Google Translate app

Google as a dictionary

It’s very straightforward; you need to find the meaning of a word, just type ‘define:’ before the word and you get a definition instantly. For example to find out the meaning of say, Idiosyncrasy, just type define: idiosyncrasy inside search.

Google as a flight planner

To see flight schedules, type “flights from” or “flights to” followed by the city/airport.

You can also add another location with “to” or “from” and view the schedule for a specific route

Google as a clock

With Google, you can get exact sunrise and sunset times form any city around the world. Just type “sunrise” or “sunset” followed by the city name. For example typing sunrise Cairo will give you the exact sunrise time in Cairo

It doesn’t end there; to see what time it is anywhere in the world, just type “time” and the city or country. For example to know the time in Madrid right now, just type time madrid.

Convert money/units

By searching “[amount in currency 1 code] to [currency 2 code]“, you can find out the exchange rate between any two currencies. For example, typing 1000 ngn to usd inside the search box will give you 1000 naira’s equivalent in dollars. That simple!

Get the full list of currency codes here

Google as a units converter

You can also convert units – inches to metres, litres to gallons etc. – using the same format as above. For example typing 20 litres to gallons will give you the exact answer.

Search within a specific website

If you want specific information from within a particular site (you probably know it’s there but you can’t remember where you last saw it, and you don’t want to have to rummage the site again for endless hours), just put site: after your search query. For example to find out info about Boko Haram from YNaija, just type Boko haram site:ynaija.com .

Follow sports

For a quick overview of your favourite teams fixtures and recent results, just type the name in search. You can also type the league name for a full log of fixtures, standings and results.

Search by voice

Google has a robust voice search service called Google Now, with which you can search for just about anything using the catchphrase ‘Ok Google’. . And it’s not just basic search – queries ranging from “wake me up in 5 hours” to “remind me to call Titi when I’m at work” are a few of the plethora of advanced commands Google Now can process.

Watch: 50 Google Now Voice Commands

Google Now is available on both Android and iOS.