Google Docs finally goes mobile

On-line editing with Google Docs is now possible on Android and iOS devices, with real-time synchronisation so everyone can see you're your mistakes as you make them.

Since the first Android devices were launched, users have been asking why they can't edit Google Docs documents on their phones, as mobile users were limited to viewing documents only. But now they can edit too – as long as they've got the very latest Android version or have already defected to Apple.

The on-line editor is being rolled out now, so should be available to everyone in the next few days. As the video shows, the editing is synchronised in real time, so it should be possible to work collaboratively on a single document - though it might lead to cursors battling for control as few people can share the creative process to such a degree.

Editing is very much an online experience, so don't expect to be using Google Docs during a flight. That should keep alternatives such as Documents To Go in business too: those packages offer synchronisation with Google Docs as a download-edit-upload process, which would seem better suited to mobile use where connectivity can't be relied upon.

But if connectivity isn't a problem, then Google suggests you might like to work on a group proposal from the ball-park bleachers, or note down the set list during a gig to make your friends jealous - all of which sounds pretty unlikely, but Google Docs will, no doubt, allow more mundane mobile working too. ®