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
Check out the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold flaunting its official case in the wild
caught red-handed Someone's out and about with the new Pixel 9 Pro Fold, and it's got the full Google protection.
Nest Learning Thermostat could see a long-overdue refresh according to leak
Overhaul incoming? Google hasn't meaningfully updated the Nest lineup in a while, and a leak suggests that might be changing.
Google's new 'School Time' feature for Android keeps your child from slacking
There's the bell! Google has announced a new parental feature just in time for back-to-school season.
Google Maps finally steals one of the best Waze features
Less traffic, more parking Google Maps now offers simpler incident reporting, plus you can see building entrances and nearby parking spots.
Files by Google app now makes recent files easier to find than ever
Carousel View It looks like Google is opting for a unified experience across its apps right before Android 15's official rollout.
The rumored ‘Google TV Streamer’ might fall short at competing with the Apple TV
What’s next? Google might be ditching the streaming stick form factor, but the leaked ‘Google TV Streamer’ might not be a full-on Apple TV competitor.
Google expands its wildfire alerts across multiple European and African countries
Stay Alert Google detailed the start of a wildfire alert expansion in Europe and Africa.
Google Lens and Circle to Search are getting an 'About this image' feature
fighting fake images Google's making it easier to get rid of deepfakes and adding 'About this image' to Circle to Search and Google Lens.
Circle to Search is coming to Chrome on desktop via Google Lens
drag and search Your Chrome searches are about to get a visual upgrade with Lens.
A massive Pixel 9 leak ruins the suspense ahead of Google's big event
The secrets are out Google's Pixel 9 surprise party just got crashed.
OpenAI's SearchGPT prototype targets Google as its waitlist opens
Just a prototype OpenAI detailed the purpose and launch of its prototype "SearchGPT," challenging Google Gemini.
Google Lens gets a Photos-like grid view for your visual search history
Through the Lens Google begins to roll out a redesign for its Lens visual search history UI.
Google is making it easier to follow the Olympic Games with new TV and Play features
Olympic overload Google is now the "Official Search AI Partner" for Team USA, using AI to highlight athletes and boost Olympic coverage.
There could be a bidding war for EssilorLuxottica smart glasses, but Meta is poised to win
Friendly competition EssilorLuxottica currently makes Meta Ray-Ban smart glasses, but Google may want the company to develop a Gemini-powered alternative.
Google Play Points is handing out Pixel devices and more prizes
Want a Pixel? New Google Play Points rewards include chances to win Pixel devices, Razer gaming products and more.
Alphabet reports 14% increase in revenue for Q2 2024, meets most analyst expectations
Earnings Alphabet met several of Wall Street analysts expectations and saw a 14% increase in revenue in Q2 2024 earnings.
Are Google's 22 reasons for upgrading to the Pixel 9 Pro convincing enough?
Cryptic teaser Google released a teaser with 22 reasons to upgrade to the Pixel 9 Pro, but there isn't much substance in the cryptic YouTube Short.
Web links made with Google URL Shortener will stop working soon
Killed by Google Google launched its URL Shortener in 2009, and links created through it will finally stop working on August 25, 2025.
