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
Samsung confirms its next-generation AR glasses will arrive this year
AR is coming This marks the first time Samsung has shared a release window for its AR glasses.
Google just supercharged Chrome with Gemini, and it makes me a little uneasy
No longer just a browser Google's new Gemini AI transforms Chrome from a basic browser into a proactive, time-saving sidekick.
Our first look at Google's Android desktop makes its Chrome OS replacement feel real
This is happening Screen recordings reveal Android's desktop-style interface running Chrome and the Play Store.
I hate fumbling with cards, so this rumored Google Wallet home screen rework might be nice
Quick Swipe Google Wallet was purported to have a rework on the way to make access to users' "favorite" cards easier.
AI Overviews are just getting smarter with Google's Gemini 3 addition for a refined experience
Ask a question Google announced new features in AI Mode, thanks to its Gemini 3 integration.
Google AI Plus costs just $8 per month — it's still not the best subscription tier
Google One Google's cheaper AI Plus subscription is now available in the U.S., although it's still not the best-value Google subscription tier.
Google’s new theft protection makes your phone a much harder target, and it's the peace of mind I’ve been waiting for
The 'Hard Lock' evolution Google’s new Android theft protection turns your phone into a brick for criminals — before, during, and after a theft.
Gemini keeps asking me to turn on Personal Intelligence, but I'm keeping it off — sort of
Personal Intelligence Personal Intelligence is a new Gemini feature that leverages various data types in the Google ecosystem, from emails to photos. Is it a privacy risk?
This might help: A fix for the Pixel 10's Wi-Fi, Bluetooth issues might've been found
Once more Pixel 10 users reported serious issues after a recent update was installed.
I’ve waited years for YouTube Music to sync my queue, and it’s finally here
No more lost groove YouTube Music’s new queue sync finally lets your music follow you across devices, making switching from phone to laptop or tablet effortless.
How to transfer data from your old Android phone to your new one
Switch over smoothly! Moving over all your data (e.g., texts, call logs, contacts, music, and photos) from your older Android phone to a new one is a walk in the mark.
YouTube will help creators use AI in 2026 — as long as it's not 'slop'
Building responsibly YouTube shared its top priorities for 2026, and yes, building AI features responsibly is one of them. But what exactly does that look like?
Google's solution to the Phone app's constant flipping is rolling out
Rotate, be gone! Google made good on a series of user reports, as it rolled out a fix for the Phone app's annoying rotation.
Pixels might set aside exclusivity to get the Galaxy S26 in on Scam Detection
An exclusive few Rumors claimed that Google could let Samsung's Galaxy S26 series in on its exclusive Scam Detection feature.
New Pixel 10a leak suggests Google is playing it safe
No visual redesign Google's Pixel 10a looks like it's a clone of its predecessor, launching for $499 with only a possible chip tweak as a real upgrade.
AI Mode gets Personal Intelligence for Gmail, Photos for queries that are all about you
All about you Google introduced Personal Intelligence for AI Mode in Search, as it looked to give users more assistance with queries.
YouTube TV’s biggest upgrade yet puts multiview and pricing in your control
The multiview revolution YouTube TV is finally giving you control, letting you customize your multiview screen and pay for cheaper, genre-specific channel bundles.
How to optimize charging on a Google Pixel
Longevity Google Pixel phones have a charging optimization feature that can learn your battery habits and extend its lifespan.
