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
Disney channels disappear from YouTube TV as the sides fail to reach deal
Blackout YouTube and Disney aren't balking — the two sides haven't come to an agreement to keep channels like ABC and ESPN on YouTube TV, and they're now unavailable.
Google Maps is testing a battery-saving mode you've always needed
App-level power mode Google Maps is working on a new power saving mode.
Google quietly added a nifty feature to Gboard that makes typing lightning quick
Going Fast Gboard grabbed another update in a week, one that could make typing even faster.
Android XR preview shows off Magic Leap glasses made in partnership with Google
Sneak peek Magic Leap and Google are combining their prowess in optical display to make prototypes and reference devices of Android XR glasses.
Android 16 QPR2 Beta 3.2 is here, bringing Pixel testers more bug fixes
Bugs, squashed Google today released the Android 16 QPR2 Beta 3.2 update for Pixel devices enrolled in the Android Beta Program, here's what's new.
Alphabet's historic $102.3 billion quarter marks a new era for Google under Sundar Pichai
A milestone quarter Alphabet reported its inaugural $100 billion quarter for Q3, fueled by surging revenues across all divisions, amidst an increasingly competitive landscape amid AI advancements.
This major Google leak says wicked 'Theme Packs,' VIP alerts are coming to Pixels next month
To be expected? A leaker reportedly detailed everything coming in Google's alleged November Pixel Drop.
How to get Gemini for Home now: Your step-by-step guide to the early access rollout
Gemini's here Google officially launched its Gemini for Home Early Access test for enrolled users.
Google's Pomelli AI is here to be your new marketing department
Meet Pomelli Google Labs unveils Pomelli to help small businesses create on-brand campaigns in minutes.
Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra vs. Google Pixel 10 Pro XL: A super-sized fight
Boss battle Other than the stylus advantage offered by the Galaxy S26 Ultra, is the Pixel 10 Pro XL the smarter choice?
Google Pixel Buds 2a vs. Pixel Buds Pro 2: Budget or best?
Buds battle The Google Pixel Buds 2a bring a cheaper price tag, but the value proposition over the Pixel Buds 2 Pro might not be so clear. Here's how they compare.
Google Beam will use AI to bring 3D video calls to military families
Google Beam + USO Google Beam is the 3D video communication platform first demoed as Project Starline, and it's now being used to connect military families.
Google’s first Pixel Watch gets its final update, ending official support
The end of the line Google’s original Pixel Watch has just received its final official hug.
Samsung Galaxy S26 vs. Google Pixel 10: Which small phone will be worth buying?
Small phone matchup The Samsung Galaxy S26 aims to elevate the brand's base-model flagship — will it be enough for it to pull ahead of the standout Google Pixel 10?
How to change your Google Pixel Watch theme
Material You With Wear OS 6, Google brought system-wide Material You theming to the Pixel Watch. Here's how to pick your color and set it up.
I tested the Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold, and it's more of an iterative update than I initially realized
Dunk and fold For whatever reason, Google can't seem to shake the "papercut" syndrome when releasing new phones.
Google Home app update brings Ask Home to more Android users
Fresh fixes Google rolled out a major Google Home app update for Android users earlier this month, and now, it's making minor changes based on your feedback.
YouTube Music paid out a record $8 billion to the music industry in a year
Milestone YouTube Music continues to pay out more to artists and the music industry — here's how it compares to Spotify.
