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
Pixel Screenshots app grabs a few QoL updates and a capture shortcut
By Nickolas Diaz published
Keeping things tidy Google was spotted rolling out an update for its Pixel Screenshots app, which brings several UI changes.
Google could bring Quick Share to iPhones and Macs
By Vishnu Sarangapurkar published
Quick Share Quick Share, formerly launched as Nearby Share, has been featured on Android devices and Windows platforms for some time.
Gemini can adjust your smart home accessories with Google Home integration
By Brady Snyder published
Gemini takeover You can now try out the Google Home extension in the Gemini app as the functionality enters Public Preview.
Google Messages might give its read receipts a new home and design
By Nickolas Diaz published
Sent? Check! Google was spotted testing a new style of read receipt for its chats in Messages.
Get ready — Google's Android 15 QPR2 Beta 1 is on its way
By Nickolas Diaz published
Incoming! Google informed users of its upcoming Android 15 QPR2 Beta 1.
Kids using Family Link will gain Google Wallet support next year
By Brady Snyder published
Easy payments Google Wallet for kids will include support for in-person payments, event passes, and gift cards.
Google highlights an earlier Android 16 in Q2 2025 and more for Gemini
By Nickolas Diaz published
Arriving Sooner Google highlights its upcoming major Android 16 update and other updates for Gemini
You can now ask Google Maps for spot and activity ideas thanks to Gemini
By Jay Bonggolto published
AI travel buddy Google Maps will soon offer activity ideas, Gemini-powered review summaries, and answers to your questions about places.
Google tipped to be more 'mindful' with this Digital Wellbeing upgrade
By Nickolas Diaz published
Health first Google was spotted working on a "Mindful Nudge" update for Digital Wellbeing.
Alphabet Q3 2024 earnings show its focus on AI is paying off
By Derrek Lee published
AI = $ Alphabet reported its Q3 2024 financial earnings, revealing strong revenue growth across its most important segments.
Google’s Gemini AI is swooping into Gmail on the web to supercharge your email
By Jay Bonggolto published
Gemini to the rescue Gmail's new AI writing buddy comes to its web version to help you craft and refine emails.
Latest Google Pixel 9a leak says it might strive for Pro XL power levels
By Nickolas Diaz published
Improving the Budget A Pixel 9a report claims it could deliver a higher battery capacity when it launches.
The future of Google's Pixel Watches is looking mighty powerful
By Jay Bonggolto published
hardware revolution A Tensor-powered Pixel Watch might be on the horizon.
Google now sells Pixel phones at deep discounts with its new Certified Refurbished program
By Nickolas Diaz published
Once old made new Google announced the start of its Certified Refurbished Pixel program.
Google is reportedly creating an AI agent for Chrome that does everything for you
By Nickolas Diaz published
A new Vision A report claimed Google is working on "Project Jarvis" for in-browser task automation.
Google's AI Overviews expand to over 100 countries with more language support
By Nickolas Diaz published
Going Places Google detailed a major expansion of AI Overviews across the world.
Google's Pixel 10 and 11 could push its chip and hardware to bolster its cameras
By Nickolas Diaz published
Advancing with AI Rumor claimed Google is preparing AI and several feature updates for its next two Pixel series.
Best portable chargers for Google Pixel 2024
By Andrew Myrick, Namerah Saud Fatmi last updated
Power for Pixels Keep your Pixel topped up on the go with these top-of-the-line portable chargers for Google Pixel devices.
Be an expert in 5 minutes
Get the latest news from Android Central, your trusted companion in the world of Android