Google

Google plans to make their search platform even faster by running new voice and image recognition programs designed to shave precious seconds off the entire search process. Although it has been rumored for some time, it now appears as if people will ... be able to conduct their searches with a verbal command or by dragging an image into their search box. Dubbed 'Instant Pages,' the feature will also predict and pre-load web pages that users are most likely to click on for faster results. Voice Command Results "Fairly Accurate" While Google has offered voice search on mobile phones for a little ... (view more)

In an effort to stay ahead of the competition, a few airlines have started lending out tech hardware to those who opt to fly with them. One of the first airlines to offer such a service was American Airlines, who continue to provide free in-flight ... Android tablets to patrons aboard a select number of their domestic flights. Now, Virgin America will soon allow their passengers to use a Samsung Chromebook, free of charge. Apps the Focus of Chromebook Service The Chromebook compliments the free WiFi service already offered by the airline, and since the Chrome OS uses the Internet as its interface ... (view more)

With huge annual revenues, Google has the spare cash to try out all sort of different (often high-cost) experimental ventures. That's been demonstrated by the company's decision to dabble in health records and home energy. In both cases Google says ... the problem was a failure to scale: in other words, not getting enough users to make the fixed running costs sustainable. In Google's case, scale isn't just a financial issue though: as its search success has shown, more users means more data and thus more lessons that can be learned. (Source: blogspot.com ) Medical Records Tracked Interactions ... (view more)

Google says it's currently seeing 500,000 Android phone activations every single day, meaning that their devices actually outpace those running Apple software. The stat comes from Google's Android chief, Andy Rubin. Rubin boasted about the ... 500K-per-day plateau in a Twitter tweet, and it's not the first time he's done it. Back in December he told us all that Android had hit 300,000 activations per day, then updated us in May with news that the tally had officially reached 400,000. According to Rubin, Android's growth rate currently sits at 4.4 per cent per week. (Source: computerworld.com ) ... (view more)

The man who co-founded Google believes that just one in five of the company's employees still use Windows. Sergey Brin also described Windows as a fundamentally flawed operating system. Brin was promoting Chromebooks, the first range of machines ... that will ship with Google's Chrome operating system built-in. The system works on the basis that the user is always online, and is effectively a glorified version of the Chrome web browser with built-in links to online applications such as Google Docs. The theory is that the majority of computer users spend most of their computing time using their ... (view more)

A French security firm says it now knows how to hack its way into Google's Chrome browser. If the claim turns out to be true, it would represent a surprising weakness for a web browser considered by some to be the safest available. The hack report ... comes from France's Vupen, which says it was able to sidestep Chrome's defenses -- including the highly reputable sandbox design -- as well as Windows 7's built-in anti-exploit infrastructure. Report Stuns Security Experts The exploit is "one of the most sophisticated codes we have seen and created so far, as it bypasses all security features ... (view more)

Google plans to launch its own deal-of-the-day service, one quite similar to that offered by Groupon. The search giant has officially launched a beta test of Google Offers, which is designed to give those who sign up for the service daily discounts ... at local restaurants, shops and other attractions. According to the Google Offers sign-up page, members can expect coupons for 50 per cent or more off regular price goods and services. Groupon Turns Down Google Offer Google Offers surfaces mere months after Groupon turned down an acquisition offer from Google. As of last November, various reports ... (view more)

YouTube has unveiled a section of its site dedicated to live video broadcasts. It could be the first step towards a full set of TV-style channels with original programming. Although the Google-owned site has occasionally broadcast live video (such ... as interviews with politicians and concerts), this is the first time its has had a dedicated section on the site for live streaming. The plan is to allow YouTube users to stream their own content in the future. This will be rolled out gradually, with the intent being to allow the site programmers to work out the kinks, though it may also be so staff ... (view more)

Google is reportedly implementing a feature similar to the Facebook "Like" button and will incorporate it into their popular search engine. The new social search feature, called the "+1 Experiment," allows users to recommend a certain link or ... website to their family and friends. Google has big plans to compile all of the information concerning +1 activity in order to provide users with a more favorable experience when using their services. Users Encouraged to Join Experiment Participation in the +1 venture is not automatic, and those interested will have to take an extra minute or ... (view more)

Google is reportedly testing a streaming music service. It doesn't necessarily mean a public launch is imminent, however; the company would still have to reach an agreement with record labels, which may be complicated by the nature of the service. ... Google Music wouldn't be a download service in the same way as the iTunes store. Indeed, it's possible it wouldn't necessarily involve buying music at all. Streaming Music Across Devices a Possibility The idea is to provide a legal way for users to stream music from one device to another. While precise details are under wraps, it appears there would ... (view more)