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
Android 17 hits a major milestone as Google releases its last 'scheduled' beta
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Easy as pie: Google's Gemini uses your memories for AI photos that feel personal
It's all about you Google's Gemini announced a personalized image creation feature, which uses your Personal Intelligence data and Nano Banana 2 for images that mean more.
Your Android phone could soon get a better way to sniff out spoofed calls
Targeting spoofed calls Google might bake smarter scam call detection into Android, using verified caller data and DNO checks to flag spoofed numbers before you answer.
YouTube now lets you turn off Shorts
Shorts, gone (almost) YouTube now lets users limit Shorts by setting a zero-minute timer.
Mac, meet Gemini: Google's AI gives Apple's macOS a 'native' experience for sharing and more
Welcome, macOS Google rolled out a "native" Gemini app experience for Apple's macOS devices, which brings an integrated shortcut and window sharing.
Stuck on a sketchy site? Google is finally putting a stop to it
A win for user sanity Google's finally punishing sites that trap you with fake back buttons, so your browsing's about to get way less annoying.
Google I/O 2026 sessions list teases major Android 17 highlights, AI, and Chrome
Caught your eye? Google ramped up its I/O 2026 teaser engine by posting its official sessions list, detailing upcoming events for Android 17, Chrome, and AI.
Another round of Google Home updates makes Gemini a better DJ and task manager
Here's another Google prepared another smart home update for users that improves the Gemini's media capabilities, as well as task completion.
Bought a new Google Pixel 10a? Here are the first 5 things you should do with it
Fun features The Google Pixel 10a might seem like a minor upgrade on the surface, but these settings and features help you maximize the phone's potential.
Leaked 'Your Day' feature for Gemini looks like a proactive, personal addition
Doing the most Gemini could get more personal and "proactive," as a report claimed Google is working on a feature called "Your Day."
Nothing Phone 4a Pro vs. Google Pixel 10a: A style-first phone vs a smarter one
Nothing vs Google Nothing and Google take different approaches to midrange smartphones at the same price.
Google Meet lands on Android Auto, but there’s a catch
commute-to-conference Google Meet is rolling out on Android Auto with audio-only calls and basic controls, but it feels limited and rushed, especially with missing work features.
I changed my embarrassing Gmail username without losing anything, and you can too
New address, same inbox Changing an embarrassing old email without nuking your whole account feels long overdue.
The latest Pixel update tackles Android 16's early stability woes
stability fixes Google’s April Pixel update fixes app crashes, missing features, and gaming issues, making Android 16 more stable.
I’ve been waiting years for Google Photos to get this one basic feature — and it's finally here
long-awaited catch-up Google Photos finally adds video speed controls on Android, letting you watch clips at 0.5x to 2x.
Caught in a loop: Google's March update causes booting issues for its Pixels
Issues, issues Pixel users across the board have started reporting issues with the latest March security patch.
The Isai Blue Pixel 10a is a stunning anniversary gift you can’t have
The FOMO factor Google’s Pixel 10a gets a stylish Isai Blue makeover with art-driven features and extras, but it’s locked to Japan.
Pixel update restores a key feature to the Now Playing app
it's back Google finally stopped messing with Now Playing and brought back the manual search button to the Pixel lock screen.
