Superb Online Tools That You Can Use as Alternatives to Google Docs

Google Docs is usually the first thing that comes to people's minds when it comes to online office services. The main reason is because Google makes a very competitive product, which is clearly remains unparalleled on the Web.

However, if you don't feel like using Google Docs, there are still other great alternatives out there that you can try. Check them out below.

Office Online

Office Online is Microsoft's answer to Google Docs. This online office service is nearly similar to what Google offers. Using the program allows you to collaborate while working on documents, save your documents in One Drive (much like how GDocs works with GDrive), and many more.

The main edge of this program among the others on this list -- Microsoft. MS is sharp in competing with Google when it comes to online office space, which is why you can be assured that the program won't go away. Another best thing about it is that since Office Online is a Microsoft product, you can be sure that you'll be able to easily use your abundance of MS Office files with this program directly from your browser. Go ahead and give this program a try.

Etherpad Lite

If you are not interested in leaving your important document files in the hands of big companies like Google or Microsoft, you may want to check out Etherpad Lite. It's an open source office program that can be accessed on your own website, when combined with this plugin.

Etherpad Lite is an awesome tool if your purpose is to work on a document or two. It's not as fancy and loaded with features, something as big as Microsoft can do. But still, it's a big asset if you're interested in combining the ability to collaborate online with colleagues and control all of your data as well.

PiratePad

Would you like to create a document but are not that interested in signing up for services or setting up anything? Then check out PiratePad. It's a basic, online-only office document tool that has all the features you would expect from an office program (formatting, attaching documents, etc.), along with the ability to collaborate with other people at the same time.

So if you want to make a quick document minus the hassle, PiratePad might be worth checking out for you.

Hackpad

Hackpad is an elegant, collaborative online office tool owned by Dropbox. Except for Office Online, Hackpad is the closest to Google Docs. Similar to Google's tool, you'll be able to easily create documents in your web browser (they also have an iOS app) and collaborate with friends and colleagues, too.

The reason why Hackpad is considered as a great alternative is simply because it is backed up by Dropbox. We can safely say that they're a well-known company, which is not actually into buying up tools only to shut them down later on.

The only main downside of Hackpad is that it's just a writing tool. That means you only get the ability to create text documents. However, if you're simply looking for an easy tool for documents in your web browser, Hackpad can do the job.

4 Android Apps That Could Save Your Life

If in case you happen to be someone who needs to travel alone or who usually comes home late at night, you would often feel quite uncomfortable, especially when you feel like someone is stalking you. When that happens, all you can probably think about is getting out of that place or call your friends. At times where anything can happen in just a split second, wouldn't it be great to have something that can help you get in touch with your family and/or friends in just a few taps.

Luckily, if you're an Android user, below are some great apps that you can use whenever you feel like you are in danger. These apps help you connect to your friends so you can let them know about your predicament and find a way out of it.

1. SOS - Stay Safe!

SOS - Stay Safe! is an app that can help you if you feel like you're being stalked. It allows you to connect to your loved ones quickly and easily just by shaking your device. By calibrating the shakes and your device, you can send an emergency message to your chosen contacts without the stalker knowing anything. It does not only send a plain message, it also sends out a recorded clip of the audio, the battery level of your device, as well as your location. This way, they will easily find out where you currently are.

You can get the app for free from the Google Play store.

2. One Touch SOS

One Touch SOS lets you send out your location information to your chosen contacts with just one touch. This means you don't need to rush around just to find your friend's or family member's number in your phonebook, type your message, and then send it out. You cannot possibly do those things if you're in danger at that minute.

You can download One Touch SOS from the Google Play store without any cost.

3. SOS Emergency Rescue

The SOS Emergency Rescue app rescues you from any unwanted situation and makes sure you are in a safe condition. The app places images of your chosen contacts on the screen, and then you can tap on any of those contacts that you want to call. The app is specially designed for elder people who may have poor eyesight and cannot browse through the menus to find their family members. The user just needs to tap on the contact, and you will be connected to that person in just a few seconds.

You can get the app for free from the Google Play store.

4. VithU: V Gumrah Initiative

The VithU: V Gumrah Initiative app sends out your location information to your chosen contacts simply by pressing the Power button twice. It sends out your updated location info every two minutes so that your friends will know which way you are heading so that they can easily find you. It will send your contact a predefined message saying "I am in danger. I need help. Please follow my location."

If you think this app will be a great help to you, get it for free from the Google Play store.