Google acquires kite-power generator

Google has acquired a US company that generates power using turbines mounted on tethered kites or wings.

Makani Power will become part of Google X - the secretive research and development arm of the search giant.
Posted by Unknown 5/24/2013

Google chief Eric Schmidt defends company's tax affairs

Google chief Eric Schmidt

Google's executive chairman Eric Emerson Schmidt has defended the company's tax affairs after it came in for heavy criticism this week.

Mr Schmidt said Google "has always expected to do the right thing", but added that "international tax law could almost certainly benefit from reform".
Posted by Unknown 5/20/2013

Google reveals Play Music All Access subscription service, priced at $9.99 per month

Google has unveiled a streaming music subscription service.

Google Play Music All Access offers users the ability to listen to millions of tracks in addition to the ones they already own. The firm described it as "radio without rules".
Posted by Unknown 5/16/2013

YouTube launches pay-to-watch subscription channels

YouTube has launched a trial scheme for paid channels on its website.

Under the pilot programme, a small number of content makers will offer the channels for subscriptions starting at $0.99 a month.

Each channel will offer a free 14-day trial and many will have discounted annual rates.
Posted by Unknown 5/10/2013

Google edition adopts 'Palestine'

Internet giant Google has changed the tagline on the homepage of its Palestinian edition from "Palestinian Territories" to "Palestine".

The change, introduced on 1 May, means google.ps now displays "Palestine" in Arabic and English under Google's logo.

Using the word Palestine is controversial for some. Israeli policy is that the borders of a Palestinian state are yet to be agreed.
Posted by Unknown 5/04/2013

Google acquires news stream service Wavii

Google has acquired news stream service Wavii for an estimated $30m (£18m).

Wavii, which was launched last year, offers customised news feed to users, summarising news stories, tweets and blogs related to their interests.

Apple had also been keen to buy the start-up. According to reports, it wanted to incorporate the technology in the Siri function of its devices.
Posted by Unknown 4/28/2013

Google offers clearer search labels after EU probe

Google has agreed to alter its search results in the light of a European investigation into whether it unfairly promoted its own services.

The firm said that it will more clearly label results from YouTube, Google Maps and its other sites.

It also agreed to display links to rivals close to where it displayed its own services on its results page.

EU regulators are asking for feedback and have proposed that the concessions be tested for a month.
Posted by Unknown 4/25/2013

Google fined 145,000 euros over illegal wi-fi data capture in Germany

"It is one of the biggest known data protection violations in history"; Germany data chief

''The actions of a single individual''; Google's executive chairman Eric Schmidt
 

Google has been fined 145,000 euros (£125,000) by German data regulators for illegally recording information from unsecured wi-fi networks.

But the regulator admitted the amount was "totally inadequate" as a deterrent to the company.

The search giant said it unintentionally collected data including emails, passwords and photos.
Posted by Unknown 4/22/2013

Google launches tool to control data after death

The first major company to deal with the sensitive issue

Google will allow users to decide what happens to their data after they die or become inactive online, the first major company to deal with the sensitive issue.

The feature applies to email, social network Google Plus and other accounts.

Users can choose to delete data after a set period of time, or pass it on to specific people.

Internet users around the world have expressed concern about what happens to their data after their demise.

"We hope that this new feature will enable you to plan your digital afterlife - in a way that protects your privacy and security - and make life easier for your loved ones after you're gone," Google said in a blogpost.
Posted by Unknown 4/12/2013