5 things you didn't know you could do with Google

Google's iconic logo

There are lots of things that Google does other than the search engine. One example being the Google Glasses which were from the Google X Labs (an awesome R&D branch of Google that deserves it's own post). But I must take a moment to reduce my anger at Google for shutting down Google Labs.
Labs was the thing that made Google one of my favorite companies, it revealed their super innovative, cool, sometimes wacky, useful,etc side(I'd go on but I have to stop). I will thoroughly miss Labs.Okay let's get started!

• Google SketchUp - This is Google's tool to create 3D models. It can be very useful as something to set your next presentation apart. It's very easy to use and best of all free. As always there is a paid version but the free version is enough for most people. This is one of the best services from Google after Labs shutdown.
• Google Books -  This is Google's database of nearly every book written. While some are completely free, for most they only allow you to view around 20% of the book for free, after that you have to buy it. Alternatively you could keep reading the books from different IP addresses until you finish it. If you want me to tell you how to change your IP address post it as a comment and I'll get a post up.
• Google Patents -  You can search every patent registered with the United States Patent and trademark Office. It's useful for (aspiring) inventors and programmers.
• Google Trends - Discover what the world is searching! It gives you the latest, and hottest keyword trends.
• Google Blog Search - This great tools helps you find blogs realted to the keyword(s) you enter.

Stay tuned for more great posts at Bits of Tech Bytes!