What are some Google services you just can’t quit?

[Sheepish-Lord]

I didn’t fully switch to Apple until roughly 2012 so having a Google and Windows account was the norm. While Windows was relatively easy to quit especially once everything became a subscription model (Office) I’ve never been able to fully shake Google.

I’m starting to migrate off Gmail and hoping the updated Apple Mail solidifies because in Mail’s current state it just feels outdated and sloppy especially coming from someone who uses MS Office at work. I like how Apple’s Office suite is free and can be exported in compatible formats but Google’s suite is accessible anywhere, free, and makes collaboration easy for everyone. Google Maps is another one that’s hard to beat since Apple Map’s uses TomTom data which is often inaccurate with real time traffic and the latest changes plus using Yelp for reviews is just another account I don’t want. I know some of this is due to Apple’s stance on privacy and I realize Goolge eats your data for free to use but still.

Google has so much of the worlds user base especially since it’s primarily a Windows audience that it’s hard to leave completely it seems. Anyone else been through this?

 

[skyhawkmatthew]

YouTube (of course).

Otherwise, just Maps. As you mentioned as well, I prefer using the Google review system instead of Yelp, and I find in my city (Hong Kong), Apple Maps can still be a bit hit-or-miss with some businesses. Likewise, with driving directions, Apple Maps does not provide lane guidance in Hong Kong which is a must with the chaotic road network here.

 

[EuroChilli]

I've tried various GPS options, but can't seem to find anything that beats Google Maps, 99% of the places we drive have mobile data so it works just fine. A 2000km trip from Belgium to Spain used about 150MB. I tried Apple Maps, but for some reason I just can't make a permanent move, so GM it is. When in places like Namibia there are only so many roads, so paper maps work just fine, if I don't already know were we're going. Been visiting that country for the better part of 15 years.

 

[Juicy Box]

I didn’t ever “switch” to Apple products, as I have been using them since the mid 90’s, so it wasn’t hard to leave anything by Google, except YouTube, as Apple hasn’t ever and may never have a replacement for it.

I used to use Google maps and then Waze, but Apple Maps has gotten good enough that there isn’t a need to use others now.

It seems like most people I know use Gmail, but I went from EarthLink email to .Mac for my primary email, and still use .Mac.

Maybe Google’s internet search engine, but I think others would probably replace it easily, so I won’t count that.

I would find it a lot harder going from Apple’s services to others, but I am sure I could do it if Apple pissed me off enough.

 

[chrono1081]

Google Maps is another one that’s hard to beat

I literally don't get why anyone says this. I haven't touched Google Maps except to experiment in years, ever since Apple improved Maps.

I can't tell you how many times I'm riding co-pilot and I have to turn on Apple Maps because the driver is using Google Maps and Google just can't find the place it's looking for.

I'm not trying to sound all fanboyish because Apple Maps had legitimate issues for years, but IMO in 2022 it is leaps and bounds and then some above Google Maps.

 

[velocityg4]

I just use whatever products work for me.

Currently, I use Google for syncing of contacts, calendars and e-mail. Mainly because at the time I set it up. Gmail was the only decent free product with IMAP support and good cross platform and client syncing of calendars and contacts. There's other good options now. But I don't see the point in changing what works. The free G Suite (legacy) was also a fit for me as it was an excellent method for domain e-mail. The free option is now dead. So, I might switch. As many domain hosts have free IMAP for e-mail included with your hosting account (it used to just be POP and IMAP was extra).

I don't use Google Maps much. Unless I happen to be on my android or and searching on my computer for business reviews.

There really isn't a replacement for YouTube.

Search is mostly Duckduckgo. I only occasionally use Google if I can't find something with DDG.

I only use Chrome when a website won't work in Firefox or I want to do something specifically linked to my Google account.