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
Google is upgrading in-car Assistant to Gemini, and it’s more than just a refresh
Gemini takes the wheel Google is replacing Assistant in cars with Gemini, bringing natural voice control, smarter navigation, and deeper car integration.
Google's Tensor G6 rumors nearly had me hyped, but it might let me down
Hoped for more What the Tensor G6 from Google could offer this year gets discussed, and these rumors might not excite.
More 'Pixel Glow' rumors light up Google's plans, teases its AI's involvement
It's glowing Rumors pounce on new, alleged "Pixel Glow" evidence, suggesting Google plans a sizable LED assortment and Gemini's role in the feature.
Google TV adds new ways to 'Create' with your family photos and AI, teases Shorts row
Turn the TV on Google TV's late April update wants you to "Create" wacky versions of your family photos, but teases something new for YouTube Shorts.
Now, Gemini might get proactive with timely, personalized 'suggestions'
Busy AI Another rumor says Gemini's "proactive" features in development might lean on Personal Intelligence, your notifications, and more.
Google Translate turns 20, and it's making me practice my speech with AI
Here's a gift Google celebrated its 20th anniversary of the Translate app, but this birthday bash gave users the gift of Pronunciation Practice.
Google just announced a cleaner Nest and Fitbit community, but there's a catch
The great purge Google is revamping its Home, Nest, and Fitbit forums with a faster design and Gemini features, but it’s wiping all posts and forcing some users to start over.
Gmail, Drive, and other Google apps are getting a major icon redesign
A fresh new look Google is redesigning Gmail, Drive, and other app icons to make them more distinct.
Google's Nest Hub has no clue what time it is, and it's messing with our heads
Struggling A Nest Hub user reported a strange issue, as their device finds it difficult to tell the time correctly.
YouTube on mobile makes livestream ads way less annoying, but there's a caveat
The Premium pressure YouTube now keeps livestreams visible during ads, but mutes the audio — so you won’t miss the action, just everything you’re supposed to hear.
Google's Android 17 preview may have spilled Pixel 11 Pro Fold details
Hidden in code Google's Android 17 beta build may have exposed a few details about its next foldable.
One bankruptcy just wiped out a popular Google TV lineup in Europe
Sudden collapse Thomson’s European Google TV maker went bankrupt owing €36 million, so don't hold your breath for that new streaming box.
The end of Fitbit? Google Health may be ready to take the reins
A new name coming Evidence suggests Fitbit Premium could become Google Health Premium.
Workspace Intelligence is Google's agentic AI era for true assistance with Gemini
Automated AI future Google's Cloud Next 2026 event detailed an agentic AI future with Workspace Intelligence for subscribers across its apps.
Google expands its browser assistant to more countries, and I can’t ignore how convenient this is
Killing the tab tax Gemini is now baked into Chrome across APAC, making browsing smarter and faster.
Google Wallet's latest update is all about easing your flight anxiety
Live flight tracker Google Wallet now offers live flight updates directly on your lock screen.
Gemini keeps its ears open for 'Continued Conversations' in Google Home
Never better Gemini no longer shuts you out, as "Continued Conversations" lets you keep talking without having to repeat yourself.
Google Photos wants to fix your face in one tap, but I’m not sure people want the help
One-stop editing Google Photos’ new AI touch-ups make quick, natural-looking selfie fixes effortless, but they quietly push us toward more polished, less real photos.
