Google

Google has quietly rolled out a new design for Gmail’s main log-in page on the Web. Chances are, you may not have noticed this given that, well, you probably remain logged-in to Gmail for the most part. But the good folks at Zinx observed this refresh earlier today, and we’re seeing a few whispers of Continue Reading →

The Google Hangouts app for iOS is getting a major update this evening that gives it all new calling features on Apple’s mobile hardware. Users can call phone numbers directly from the app itself, with no charge for any calls to US & Canadian numbers (international calls work too, for a fee). If they have Continue Reading →

Google’s better-than-expected earnings report has sent the company’s shares surging past the $1,000 barrier for the first time in its history during trading on Friday. Since Google beat Wall Street expectations by reporting third-quarter earnings per share of $10.74 on revenue of $14.9 billion Thursday, its stock value has surged by more than 13% and Continue Reading →

Mary Lou Jepsen, head of the display division for Google’s notoriously secret hardware innovation lab, Google X–which is building the Google Glass head-worn computer–took the stage at EmTech Thursday to talk about innovation, creativity, and, naturally, wearable computing. While Jepsen apologized a few times for being unable to divulge what, specifically, she’s working on over Continue Reading →

Google updated its Maps app for iOS on Tuesday with new features and support for the Arabic and Hebrew languages. You can download the new version now directly from Apple’s App Store. The biggest improvement is that accessing navigation is now faster and you can also expect faster and more accurate re-routing. The added route Continue Reading →

I recently heard word that Google was putting the finishing touches on a Watch product. Details are slim but the person seemed to think that Google Now functionality would be at the center of the product. Thinking about this, Google could put a lot of the functionality of Google Glass in the watch product. Push Continue Reading →

Google already knows better than most how we use the internet. Now it wants to dig a little deeper and monitor your app usage as well. Engadget has learned that the company is readying a new mobile service that compensates users if they allow their mobile behavior to be monitored. We’re told that the project, Continue Reading →

Among the many leaked screenshots, videos and lists of specifications for the Nexus 5, the most interesting anticipated feature to me is the rumored “always listening” functionality. After all, most of the hardware and user interface tweaks are expected improvements in Google’s flagship phone: a better camera with optical image stabilization, transparent notification bar and Continue Reading →

If you want to remain private on Google … well, relatively private, anyway … listen up. Google recently changed its Terms of Service and will soon use your name and picture in searches for products you’ve posted about. Starting November 1, anything you’ve posted on a Google-owned site, like YouTube or Zagat, is fair game Continue Reading →

Google announced a policy change on Friday that lets the company create sponsored endorsements based on reviews it collects from YouTube, Zagat and other Google-controlled sites. In practice, this means that after November 1 (when the policy goes into effect), you may see yourself appearing in ads. Some people will be fine with this — Continue Reading →