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
The Chromecast with Google TV is officially no longer available for purchase
Gone for good While you might be able to pick up the last few from third-party retailers, the Google Store no longer sells Chromecast with Google TV streaming dongles.
Gemini adds document upload and analysis for free users
Free features Google added document upload support to Gemini Advanced in 2024, and it's now bringing the functionality to free users for the first time.
The best cheap Android phones to buy in 2025
Affordable and awesome Want to save as much money as possible when getting yourself a new phone? We're here to help you find the best cheap Android phones for your needs.
Android's Phone app grabs 'Recent' filters alongside a small Pixel change
Blowing up your phone Google detailed what's coming next for its Phone app on Android and Pixels.
Like earbuds, Google will change the Assistant's notifications on headphones
A new trend Google detailed a familiar Assistant notification change for headphones.
YouTube on Android TV spices up music videos with on-screen lyrics and album art
Sing along! YouTube on Android TV now displays lyrics and album art with music videos.
Google Meet gets scrollable captions to help you stay in the loop during calls
Quick recap We're not saying you should doze off during a meeting, but if you did, this new Google Meet feature would come in handy.
Google brings a Circle to Search-like feature to iOS via the Chrome, Search apps
Cross-platform Google is making it easy to search for content on your screen with the Chrome app on iOS, just like it did with Circle to Search on Android.
The Google Pixel 10 has a model number, according to GSMA database entries
Fresh leaks Google is working on the Pixel 10 series, and entries in the GSMA database appear to reveal all four model numbers.
Google quietly deleted cultural events from its holiday list and people are pissed
Missed opportunity Google deleted several important events from its official holiday list stating sustainability as the issue. However, there's a bigger problem and people are not happy.
Google's underrated Tasks app gets a dedicated website for your hectic schedule
What's next? Google was spotted creating a dedicated website for its Tasks app.
Google Lens adds 'screen search' to iOS and expands AI Overview's knowledge
Visual Learner Google detailed updates for Android and iOS, involving screen searches and Lens.
Google TV Streamer's latest update hints at a future with backlit remotes
premium remote, anyone? Google TV remotes might soon get their own built-in backlight controls.
Google just made it easier for everyone to switch from Microsoft Teams to Google Chat
Want to jump ship? Google's Teams-to-Chat migration tool is finally here, so switching over should be a snap.
Gemini is no longer available in the Google app for iOS
Time to switch Many months after Google created an official Gemini app for the iPhone, it's shuttering Gemini support in the Google app for iOS.
Google's extra step for Emergency SOS on the Pixel Watch is now available
Avoiding accidentals Google's previously-announced extra step for Emergency SOS is now available on Pixel Watch to help avoid accidental triggers.
Gemini Live on Android might start auto-generating summaries of your chats
Key points Google was spotted working on bringing an auto-summary feature to Gemini Live.
Major Pixel 9a leak spotlights specs and every rumored design change
Take another look Another report claims to have unearthed the specs for Google's upcoming Pixel 9a.
