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Google Docs Unveils A Handwritten Annotation Tool For Android User

By Consultants Review Team Thursday, 29 February 2024

Google has released a ground-breaking tool that lets users hand-annotate directly on Google Docs using a stylus or their finger in an effort to improve the digital writing experience. Customers of Google Workspace, Google Workspace Individual subscribers, and personal Google accounts are able to use this new markup tool, however it is presently only compatible with Android smartphones.

The feature, set to be available to Google normal users on March 11th, was first made available to users of Rapid Release on February 27th. It provides a customized choice in addition to the normal pen and highlighter colors of black, blue, red, green, and yellow. This application may be used for a variety of tasks by users, such as professionals working on group projects or instructors giving comments on student writings.

Its attraction to creative authors, which encourages a fusion of conventional handwritten notes with contemporary computer technology, is one noteworthy benefit. This feature satisfies the needs of individuals who believe that making notes by hand is a more effective and intimate experience. Professors and students studying creative writing will find it especially helpful since they can now easily include handwritten development comments in their digital works.

But there's a big negative: the hand annotation capability is only available on Android smartphones for now. It is not possible for users of Windows, macOS, iOS, ChromeOS, or Chrome Browser to create documents with markups; they can only view them. Many K–12 students who use non-touchscreen clamshell Chromebooks and older students who use clamshell laptops running Windows or macOS are affected by this restriction.

Google might be required to make this functionality available for Windows, macOS, and iOS devices in order to gain more traction and usefulness. Given Apple's nearly 55.9 percent share in the tablet market, there is a large user base that might profit from this functionality. A more welcoming attitude would enable a larger audience to utilize Google's inventive feature as the market for 2-in-1 laptops grows.

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