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Use Google search to set a timer

Did you know you can use Google search as a timer? The feature was available late last year then disappeared, but is now back.

Jason Cipriani Contributing Writer, ZDNet
Jason Cipriani is based out of beautiful Colorado and has been covering mobile technology news and reviewing the latest gadgets for the last six years. His work can also be found on sister site CNET in the How To section, as well as across several more online publications.
Jason Cipriani

Screenshot by Jason Cipriani/CNET

Using Google search to set a timer isn't a new feature, per se. The ability to set a timer in Google Search was around last August when Dan Graziano put together a post detailing useful tips for Google search.

But then the feature disappeared from Google search, with no mention as to why, or if it would ever return. Then, just this week, Lifehacker found the timer feature active once again on Google.com.

Setting a timer is simple; as long as you have the word "timer" and an amount of time in the search query, Google will start a timer for the requested time. You can take the timer full-screen by clicking on the box icon.

You'll need to leave the Web page open in order for the timer to work, of course.

Pretty much every device I use on a regular basis has a timer app or service, with the exception being my Mac. Instead of having to browse the Internet for yet another app, I can now use Google.com and skip an unnecessary installation.