Google is a search company.
OK, Google started as a search company in 1998, when Sergey Brin and Larry Page were doctoral students at Stanford. And fifteen years later? Google is a verb. That's how ingrained it's become into our lexicon, as well as into our lives. If you want to know something, you "Google" it.
On August 10, 2015, Google became part of the umbrella company, Alphabet, with Sundar Pichai taking charge as CEO. The announcement came as a surprise to everyone when it was dropped on Google's blog by Larry Page.
Of course, Google is so much more now. It's an advertising company (which still provides the bulk of its revenue). It's a video-hosting company, with YouTube. It's a social network, with Google+. It's a mobile company, with Android. It's leading the wearables revolution with Google Glass and Android Wear. Google's making inroads into enterprise with its web-based infrastructures, to the point where municipal governments and private businesses alike are ditching the server racks for the cloud. It's seeking to change the way we use computers with its not-quite-a-thin-client Chromebooks.
And that was just the first 15 years.
Where will Google go next? That's a question many of us can't wait to see answered. And, understandably, it's a question many are wary of. Is Google too big? Is it too powerful? Does it know too much? Is it doing the right things for the right reasons? Or is it just trying to become as rich and powerful as it possibly can? Those are all fair questions, and ones that Google should ask itself, and ones that we as its customers should continue to it.
Latest about Google
Google Photos drops Partner Sharing support for photos from other Android apps
It's hard to share Partner Sharing lets you instantly share your Google Photos library with someone else, but now it won't work with external photos.
Google knows it has a Private Space issue with Wear OS, but there's no fix yet
A little wonky Google detailed an issue between Android 15's Private Space and Wear OS devices.
This three-year-old Pixel phone surprisingly receives one last update
end of the road Three months after support officially ended, Google is rolling out one last update for the Pixel 5a.
Google Maps' new update helps you plan your holidays and skip the crowds
hassle-free holiday Plan your perfect holiday getaway with Maps' new features.
Pixel phones now use AI to detect scam calls in real-time
Scam shield Gemini AI is now guarding your Pixel against spam calls and sketchy apps.
Google to remove content from EU news publishers from News, Search, and Discover in small test
Missing news As part of Google's efforts to comply with the European Copyright Directive (EUCD), news from EU publishers will disappear in a limited test.
Wear OS 5 rollout resumes for all Pixel Watch models, but there's a caveat
back on track The Pixel Watch 1 and Watch 2 are getting the Wear OS 5 update again after September’s hiccups.
Gemini Live could soon start messing around with your files
your file buddy Gemini Live could soon be able to manage and interact with your files directly.
Android 15 QPR2 Beta 1 starts for enrolled Pixels
Hot off the presses Google started rolling out Android 15 QPR2 Beta 1 to Pixel testers.
Chrome 131 for iOS adds 4 new features that could pull iPhone users into the Google ecosystem
Time to switch? Google Chrome is now a better Safari replacement, and the latest Chrome 131 update could pull iOS users to Android.
Android 16 could borrow this key feature from Windows 11
Simpler switching Switching between default audio inputs and outputs could be easier on Android, and the next update might address that.
Break your Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold main screen? A replacement costs the price of a new phone
Pricey fixes iFixit is now selling replacement parts for the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold, and they're sure to hurt your wallet.
Google prepares Quick Share for ARM-supported Windows computers
Quick and Easy Google was spotted rolling out a new, upgraded Quick Share app to Windows computers.
Gemini 2.0 may have just leaked, indicating a release could be imminent
Coming soon The next Google Gemini model might debut a lot sooner than we thought, if a recent leak is any indication.
Your Google Maps trips might soon get a style upgrade with fresh vehicle icons
Paint the town red Google Maps is testing out new vehicle icons to personalize your navigation.
Google is apparently testing a dedicated Gemini app for iOS with Gemini Live
Siri replacement? A standalone Gemini app has appeared ready for download on iOS for at least one iPhone user.
YouTube reportedly tests a change that makes every video feel like Shorts
A warranted change? Users have spotted a strange change to the YouTube app's gestures on mobile.
WhatsApp could get a Google Lens-like feature to search images
Reverse Image Search WhatsApp might soon roll out a reverse image search feature powered by Google.
