Google, in addition to its search engine, has developed several services including the well known Google Mail (Gmail) and Google Docs. These applications are only available online, and require constant updating and adaptation by browsers that support them. So, Google decided to focus on - I quote - "improving our products and delivering more sophisticated features and performance". Google wants to focus on the establishment of a generalized HTML 5 and increase the operating speed of JavaScript on these applications.

Thus, some time in 2010, Google and its applications will no longer be accessible through archaic browsers - they say - but still widely used, such as Internet Explorer 6. The first restrictions will appear on the 1st of March 2010 for Google Docs and Google Website. Thereafter, it will be Google Mail and Google Calendar that won't be accessible. Users will receive notifications and be alerted every time they open the Google Applications that an update is needed or that they must change their browser. The browsers supported by the applications are Internet Explorer 7+, Firefox 3+, Chrome 4+ and finally Safari 3+.

Is Google closing its doors in pursing this policy? Not necessarily: Google tries instead to modernize our use of the Internet by pushing us to update our browsers. Moreover, Iwith.org encourages you to upgrate your tools to surf the web. The Foundation will also begin to generalize websites in HTML5. Not only to satisfy the needs of Google but simply to bring up to date content management systems and to ensure optimal results.


Howeover, as a daily user of the Web, one question comes to my mind: is Google indispensable to us?

First of all, we must know that even if Google is a highly developed and advanced empire, it is not the only engine, browser, mail box and word publisher online. Other applications and software programs are free to use and work very well. We use Google because it is well-known and we have integrated its functions into our subconscious uses. Thus, we repeat actions without necessarily understanding its scope.

Then, I do not call for a Google boycott, but simply to a redefinition of our needs in relation to this Internet giant. Their statement is a good time to rethink our behaviour and our uses of the Web in relation to our resources and our needs. Refresh our browser, as advocated by Google, is useful. But, swear by Google may be excessive.

Finally, as an user of Google, I do not deny the simple use of its online tools but easy does not necessarily mean perfection. Learn to evolve following the web's changes is the best way to enjoy its resources!

Learn more about free online tools, go to "Online Tools".