How to you guys incorporate Google into your iOS and macOS life?

[cynics]

I started out with a Blackberry, eventually moved to Android, then to iPhone/MAC (about 5 years ago). The last year or 2 I have been battling with what Apps/Services to use. For example, GMAIL or Apple Mail on iPhone, ical or Google Calendar? Stuff like this has it's pros and cons making me go insane!!!! It seems you have to be full in with one right?

Here is what I use now.

Everything iOS and macOS. Stock Calendars, Mail, Contacts, Reminders, Notes etc. All with a GMAIL address. I do not import or sync ANYTHING to Google Apps of the same....

HOWEVER - Some Google Elements are starting to make meI want to start using them and not sure how to do it. I get dizzy and want to drink when I start wondering:

Is Google Contacts better to manager all my contacts? Is Google Calendar better? and so on and so on....

I guess I just want to know how everyone else uses Google Apps with thier iphone and MAC's?

I'm much like you except I don't want to incorporate anything with Google. Matter of fact I've mostly moved away from Google Maps but still keep it on my phone as a "just in case". Pretty much only using gmail and Google search in Safari but thats about it.

What Google Elements have you tempted to start using them more?

Note : I don't have a problem with Google just don't find much of a need for there software or services in a mostly Apple ecosystem.

 

[phillytim]

I use Gmail as my main email, mostly because I keep it on my PC web browser at work and use the various Google services (maps, youtube, etc.) through it. I use Google Maps on my PC computer at work.

My Gmail account is also my Apple ID, in which I use most of Apple's stock apps linked to my Gmail Apple ID (except for Calendar & Reminders, which I use Fantastical 2 for on my iPhone & iPad).

On my iPhone & iPad, I have Apple Mail bring in my Gmail mail; and in my Safari search I have it default to DuckDuckGo (but will use the !g bang to search Google whenever I feel it necessary). I use Apple Maps for my mobile map/GPS solution.

On my Mac, I also have Apple Mail bring in my Gmail mail; and in my Safari search I have it default to DuckDuckGo (but will use the !g bang to search Google whenever I feel it necessary). Further, I do use Apple Maps for the most part, until I want to use StreetView in Google Maps, then I open that through my Safari browser.

As you can see, I embrace Google while keeping it at arms length away. If I ever go back to a PC, probably of Apple's pricing greed that I feel, then I will more fully embrace Google.

 

[IowaLynn]

Still have android devices I really like along w iPhone 6s Plus and 'Book. Used Windows and Mac forever. Abandoned M$ and Live.com

First Mac SE/30 1989
First computer was at AMEX '68 IBM 360

Gmail InBox
Sheets and Docs on Android
Numbers - not cross platform
Google Sheets - different on iOS vs Android
Google Photos
Google Music - left 50GB of "iTunes" collection behind
Google Drive - 100GB $1.99

Safari sync OFF made a mess of decades of bookmarks

Safari Reader Mode is heaven

Search - prefer text search and never use Siri even once
Would prefer to not use Chrome or Google search though.

Ghostery great Android web browser, not so iOS
Instagram - prefer on iOS
3D Touch - need better way globally to access, close and navigate between apps.

Pocket has replaced iBooks for 100s of web articles to be more cross platform but may switch back

Being able to zoom iOS helps until cataract surgery is done.

Have trouble with iPhone and physical home key.

PS - Google keyboard
Huawei Mate 9 - my 11th phone in 4 yrs
Emoji - Huawei with EMUI separable