Computers give away location
Company executives recently indicated that Google and Apple collect and store location information from personal computers and mobile devices. Apple gathers information from some Apple Macintosh computers connected to Wi-Fi networks, and Google collects data from Wi-Fi-connected computers that use Google's Chrome browser or search "toolbar." Full article.
Google chases computer criminals to search-engine competitors
Google managed to cut almost half of the malicious software affecting its search engine users, driving hackers to competitors. Google’s competitors recorded an increase in malware- laced search results. Google increased efforts to identify criminals who try to take control of computers to perpetuate cyber attacks, as well as large-scale banking and identity-theft swindles. Full article.
Nokia, Microsoft join forces to rival Apple, Google
Nokia and Microsoft recently combined forces to challenge their rivals (Apple, Google) and reclaim lost market shares. Nokia Corp., which happens to be the world’s largest mobile phone maker, recently announced it will use Microsoft Corp.'s Windows Phone software as the platform for its smart phones. Full article.
Google to get new CEO
After 10 years as CEO of Google, Eric Schmidt recently announced that he is stepping down and co-founder Larry Page will replace him as CEO in April. Schmidt indicated that the decision to change up Google’s "triumvirate approach" was based on the fact that managing the business has become more complicated. Full article.
Google E-Books
Google is ready to enter the world of E-books, and will introduce Google Editions by the end of the year. Editions will allow users to buy E-books from Google, web sites or independent bookstores. Customers can set up an account for buying books, store them in a library and read them on internet-ready devices including smartphones and tablets. Full article.
Next Smartphone evolution: Credit Cards
There are even more ways that your smartphone could soon become your credit card. AT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile recently formed a partnership for a mobile payments network that will launch next year. Google's Android phone system will be updated with technology that will allow users to pay with an embedded chip that contains credit information. Another chip company, called "Bling," allows users to pay with the chip that is sent to them. Full article.
Google works to retain nimble minds
Corporate sclerosis is a problem for all companies as they grow. But a hardening of the bureaucracy and a slower pace of work is even more perceptible in Silicon Valley, where companies grow at Internet speed and pride themselves on constant innovation — and where the most talented people are often those with the most entrepreneurial drive. Google is considering opening a start-up incubator inside the company. Full Article.
Google vies for shoppers
Google Inc. is upgrading its shopping site as it steps up efforts to compete in Web comparison shopping. Google is adding features to its separate service for shoppers, Google Product Search, that helps shoppers look for goods based on color and other physical attributes. Full article.
Android tops IPhone, BlackBerry in U.S.
Nielsen Co reports that Google Inc.’s Android software is the most popular operating system in the U.S. among new smartphone buyers, passing the iPhone and BlackBerry platforms. Android was the top choice for U.S. consumers who bought a smartphone in the past six months with BlackBerry and iPhone tied for second place. Full article.
Google tablets may pass IPad with more accessibility
Analysts recently indicated that tablet computers running Google Inc.’s Android will start taking sales from Apple Inc.’s iPad this holiday season and may surpass it in a few years as device makers adopt the software for a slew of models. Smartphones running Android have already surpassed Apple’s iPhone in the U.S., and Google may repeat its success with tablets because its operating system is freely available to any company. Full Article.
