Google has announced a number of significant changes to Google Docs. In fact, they’re so significant, Google is referring to them as the "next generation of Google Docs." Included, are some Google Wave-like characteristics.

Some new features:

– A margin ruler (Documents)
– Better numbering and bullets (Documents)
– Easier image placement options (Documents)
– Formula editing bar (Spreadsheets)
– Cell auto-complete (Spreadsheets)
– Drag-and-drop columns (Spreadsheets)

But that’s not all. "We’ve made big improvements to our document upload feature so moving files from your computer to the cloud is easier now," says Dave Girouard, President of Google Enterprise. "Imported documents retain their original structure more accurately, so you can hit the ground running editing in the browser without having to fix formatting like bullets and text alignment."

"New browser technologies like faster JavaScript processing have made it possible for us to speed up Google Docs significantly," he adds. "Even very large spreadsheets are fast to work with in your browser now. Applications that run this fast feel like desktop applications but have the unique advantages of being in the cloud."

Google has also extended Google Docs collaboration capabilities, with support for up to 50 people working together at a time. Users can now see other people’s edits in real-time (much like Google Wave).

New Google Docs features will be rolled out over the next few days. Interested parties who would like to learn more about these first hand, may want to check out a webinar Google is hosting tomorrow, in which they will go over the changes in more detail.