Community Forums => General Chat => Topic started by: BlackNMild2k1 on February 04, 2011, 03:32:24 AM
Title: Google's Quest for World Dominance
Post by: BlackNMild2k1 on February 04, 2011, 03:32:24 AM
or Welcoming our new Google Overlords.... accepting Google as your lord and savior...? anyways...
Google always has some new crazy exciting bold ambitious new venture that they set out on so I thought it was time to start keeping track of them. From Google Maps to Street View, Chrome the browser to the OS to the laptop that runs them both, from cellphones to TV, from energy to fiber optic cable and from charity(Chrome for a Cause) to free laptops(you can get a free Chrome Laptop if you get accepted as a beta tester right now).
Now Google has a new venture called Art Project; http://www.googleartproject.com/ (http://www.googleartproject.com/)
Google is on a mission to capture every piece of art in every museum around the world at insanely high definition so that you could zoom in and check the texture of the paint if that's what you wanted to do.
But as if that wasn't enough, they have Google Street Viewed the interior of these museums while they were there. You can walk around these museums and look at the art as it sits on the wall, or you can go into gallery view and zoom to see more detail than you ever could in real life.
So now you can tour the museums of the world from the comfort of your computer chair. maybe even a few years from now, you can hang your TVs on the wall and cycle the art pieces of your choice so that everyday you have a new collection of high quality art.
Title: Re: Google's Quest for World Dominance
Post by: Morari on February 04, 2011, 11:23:19 AM
...And that's a good thing. Spreading art and culture, freely, as it should be. Google does plenty of thing that are disagreeable, but I don't see this being one them by any means.
Title: Re: Google's Quest for World Dominance
Post by: Ian Sane on February 04, 2011, 06:54:52 PM
Seems like a really cool idea.
Except why go to a museum now? This could potentially hurt museum attendance and thus cut down on the donations or admission fees that keep the thing running in the first place.
One nice thing about it though is that it could make available many works that are not shown publicly due to a lack of space. I remember watching the news some months back where a museum in Vancouver was saying that they have a lot of stuff in storage because the phyiscal museum is not large enough to have everything on display. With this, in theory, one could have a temporary room to display these hidden works entirely for Google. You set the stuff up, have Google film it, put those pieces back in storage, set up the room with the next batch, etc. Though that seems time consuming and time is money. But if in theory you could do this then those works would be able to be seen by the public without taking up room that does not exist.
Title: Re: Google's Quest for World Dominance
Post by: ShyGuy on February 04, 2011, 07:36:17 PM
Didn't Microsoft buy the digital rights to a bunch of art and things about a decade ago?
Title: Re: Google's Quest for World Dominance
Post by: Morari on February 04, 2011, 08:31:58 PM
Except why go to a museum now? This could potentially hurt museum attendance and thus cut down on the donations or admission fees that keep the thing running in the first place.
Just like how being able to buy a musician's record has cut down on concert attendance, right?
Most people already avoid museum in favor of watching American Idol. This won't cut into the educated crowds at all. They'll still want to go make a day of walking around the museum. It'd be nice to have pieces from all around the world available to view at a moment's notice though, for research if nothing else.
That said... A lot of museums are completely free to visit and do not charge admission. They rely entirely upon your tax dollars and whatever donations they can muster up. A lot of museums also put up special, limited time exhibits which do require an admission fee.
Title: Re: Google's Quest for World Dominance
Post by: TJ Spyke on February 04, 2011, 08:33:23 PM
I don't remember the last time I saw a museum that was free to enter.
Title: Re: Google's Quest for World Dominance
Post by: oohhboy on February 04, 2011, 09:05:15 PM
I don't think you're looking hard enough TJ.
This is a good thing. The vast majority of works are in storage since you can't build a place large enough to display them even on a limited basis. While I never understood Museums as a kid, I now understand how important they are. This won't replace museums even if they digitized the entire catalogue as you just can't beat seeing something with your own 2 eyes.
It's like tourist photos. There are effectively infinite number of photos of the Eiffel Tower, but if given the chance, I would love to go there myself one day.
Title: Re: Google's Quest for World Dominance
Post by: TJ Spyke on February 04, 2011, 09:36:46 PM
Maybe, maybe the two in my city charge because one is also a science center and the other is also home to the National Toy Hall of Fame (and has a whole room full of classic arcade games :) ).
Title: Re: Google's Quest for World Dominance
Post by: ThePerm on February 05, 2011, 04:38:48 AM
Except why go to a museum now? This could potentially hurt museum attendance and thus cut down on the donations or admission fees that keep the thing running in the first place.
One nice thing about it though is that it could make available many works that are not shown publicly due to a lack of space. I remember watching the news some months back where a museum in Vancouver was saying that they have a lot of stuff in storage because the phyiscal museum is not large enough to have everything on display. With this, in theory, one could have a temporary room to display these hidden works entirely for Google. You set the stuff up, have Google film it, put those pieces back in storage, set up the room with the next batch, etc. Though that seems time consuming and time is money. But if in theory you could do this then those works would be able to be seen by the public without taking up room that does not exist.
aint nothing like the real thing, you can't see texture in photographs, monitors also have a limited color range and also can't show iridescence. When I went to art school there was an art museum next store and I probably went at the least once a month for inspiration. Even today I'm scanning in images, and there is no way the scanners can pick up on different black levels correctly..the difference between matte and shine..things like that. Not even like a ultrasounded or laser scanned 3d image with the texture on a monitor can accurately display the real thing.
I checked it out and its very clean looking though, its not like this is a bad thing.
Title: Re: Google's Quest for World Dominance
Post by: vudu on February 05, 2011, 12:45:12 PM
aint nothing like the real thing, you can't see texture in photographs
Zoom all the way in on the photo of Starry Night (http://www.googleartproject.com/museums/moma/the-starry-night) and tell me you can't see texture. It's insane!
Title: Re: Google's Quest for World Dominance
Post by: BlackNMild2k1 on February 05, 2011, 12:58:40 PM
aint nothing like the real thing, you can't see texture in photographs
Zoom all the way in on the photo of Starry Night (http://www.googleartproject.com/museums/moma/the-starry-night) and tell me you can't see texture. It's insane!
you zoom in far enough, you can almost tell what the paint is made out of as you examine each brush stroke.
Title: Re: Google's Quest for World Dominance
Post by: ThePerm on February 05, 2011, 04:34:13 PM
aint nothing like the real thing, you can't see texture in photographs
Zoom all the way in on the photo of Starry Night (http://www.googleartproject.com/museums/moma/the-starry-night) and tell me you can't see texture. It's insane!
nope, not as good as the real thing, and those blues and cyans can't be displayed on the monitor right. No proper cobalt color could be displayed. This is not an excuse not to visit a museum.
Title: Re: Google's Quest for World Dominance
Post by: Morari on February 05, 2011, 05:02:08 PM
aint nothing like the real thing, you can't see texture in photographs
Zoom all the way in on the photo of Starry Night (http://www.googleartproject.com/museums/moma/the-starry-night) and tell me you can't see texture. It's insane!
nope, not as good as the real thing, and those blues and cyans can't be displayed on the monitor right. No proper cobalt color could be displayed. This is not an excuse not to visit a museum.
That's very true. The simple technical limitations of additive versus subtractive colors ensures it if nothing else...
Title: Re: Google's Quest for World Dominance
Post by: vudu on February 06, 2011, 10:38:52 AM
Try to get close enough to the actual Starry Night in real life. Let's see how many seconds it takes for security to tackle you to the ground. Face it, unless you're the curator of a museum, you're not going to be able to see that level of detail in person.
and those blues and cyans can't be displayed on the monitor right. No proper cobalt color could be displayed. This is not an excuse not to visit a museum.
You'll notice I didn't say anything about color. I just responded to your remark about texture.
Title: Re: Google's Quest for World Dominance
Post by: ThePerm on February 06, 2011, 09:00:03 PM
the texture is flattened to begin with..do you have a 3d monitor? I'm not talking about the illusion of texture, im talking about actual texture. This might as well be the difference between watching a play and watching a movie. I have lots and lots of art books, and in the art books are pretty high resolution pictures of all of these images, so none of this is new to me. The argument that Ian brought up was why go to a museum? Because it isn't the same fucking thing.
I remember when WWF came to town and i got to see wrestlers Chris Benoit, Jericho, Kane, Prince Albert, etc. As Chris Benoit walked down the isles he slapped many hands on his exit, mine being one. Now years later the guy is dead and worm food, and the only way you can see him is some virtual false way, or digging this ass up. Is it the same thing? No. Just like when The Scream got stollen, everyone thought they would never see the real thing again, until it supposedly got recovered and is on display again.
Lets talk about the Matrix..the movie. What is the difference between living in the virtual Matrix world, or living outside that box? One is real and the other is not. On top of that is this even reality?
Title: Re: Google's Quest for World Dominance
Post by: vudu on February 06, 2011, 10:31:43 PM
I remember when WWF came to town and i got to see wrestlers Chris Benoit, Jericho, Kane, Prince Albert, etc. As Chris Benoit walked down the isles he slapped many hands on his exit, mine being one.
Sorry if I sound like an ass, but this pretty much voids you entire argument. How am I supposed to take your opinion of art seriously when you're the kind of art critic who goes to a professional wrestling matches?
Title: Re: Google's Quest for World Dominance
Post by: TJ Spyke on February 06, 2011, 10:34:53 PM
What is that supposed to mean? Wrestling is popular among all levels of society.
Title: Re: Google's Quest for World Dominance
Post by: vudu on February 06, 2011, 10:49:11 PM
Keep telling yourself that, champ.
Title: Re: Google's Quest for World Dominance
Post by: TJ Spyke on February 06, 2011, 11:24:41 PM
WWE Raw gets watched by 6 million+ every week and the company is a multi-billion dollar company. I could name dozens of famous people in all kinds of professions who are confirmed fans. You may not like wrestling, but all kinds of people do. I don't see how being a fan of it is any different than being a fan of other forms of entertainment.
Title: Re: Google's Quest for World Dominance
Post by: ThePerm on February 07, 2011, 12:17:13 AM
I remember when WWF came to town and i got to see wrestlers Chris Benoit, Jericho, Kane, Prince Albert, etc. As Chris Benoit walked down the isles he slapped many hands on his exit, mine being one.
Sorry if I sound like an ass, but this pretty much voids you entire argument. How am I supposed to take your opinion of art seriously when you're the kind of art critic who goes to a professional wrestling matches?
i used to do a lot of odd things in my youth. Then again one could classify wrestling as subversive home-erotic ballet. Actually the character gimmicks are way underplayed now a-days, plus they used to wear tighter clothes and it was easier to see their junk...wait
Title: Re: Google's Quest for World Dominance
Post by: BlackNMild2k1 on February 07, 2011, 01:48:50 AM
the texture is flattened to begin with..do you have a 3d monitor? I'm not talking about the illusion of texture, im talking about actual texture. This might as well be the difference between watching a play and watching a movie. I have lots and lots of art books, and in the art books are pretty high resolution pictures of all of these images, so none of this is new to me. The argument that Ian brought up was why go to a museum? Because it isn't the same fucking thing.
Those must be some BIG ASS books, because if you can get that level of detail from a book, you must have it posted up no a billboard.
As far as your wrestling analogy, seeing and touching wrestlers vs watching them on TV.... I don't see how that compares to art you look at in person, some from a distance where you can't really touch it, and the rest in a position where you aren't supposed to touch it vs looking at it on a computer screen in detail so fine that you could never get that close in person, and even if you did, you would need a magnifying glass.
Either way you are just looking at a picture. It is not a reason to not go visit a museum if that is something you want to do, but now that same art is not limited to just those that have the means to travel to where the art is on display. And can be enjoyed by all in a detail that rivals seeing it in person. Far far better than looking at some small low res pics in a book.
Title: Re: Google's Quest for World Dominance
Post by: ThePerm on February 07, 2011, 06:15:46 AM
why is it that people assume you can't get close to art in a museum....you can get really close to it...you just can never touch it How many people in here actually go to museums? Also, some museums are touch friendly..mainly featuring sculptures.
as far as my books go eh 300 dpi is enough detail. Some books come with photographic inserts in which you could use a magnifying glass. Ever seen a Daguerreotype etched in metal? They are fucking amazing, nothing your shitty paper photographs or digital camera can handle. Thats right expensive ass late 1800s tech.
Another analogy is when Kevin Smith the director was talking about the difference between watching an actor in a movie, and being on the set and seeing the actor act in the movie in person. Obviously, its a little different when you take editing and what the director of photography sees in perspective, but even that's not the same thing.
just because a picture of a room has air and you can see it, doesn't mean you can breath it. Then again you can't see the air either.
Title: Re: Google's Quest for World Dominance
Post by: Stogi on February 08, 2011, 12:10:25 AM
Perm I get what you're saying, but your argument is flawed. Not because you are not arguing it well, and to be honest you're not, but because you don't understand the point of this.
I have been to the Van Gogh Museum. I thought it was awesome. But am I excited that I can revisit it from my home? Of course I am. What Google did was give us the other side of the same coin.
In fact, I'm of the belief that this will entice more people to actually go to museums.
But sincerely, this is for the people. A gift-wrapped present for all of us to open and enjoy. How is that so bad?
Title: Re: Google's Quest for World Dominance
Post by: BranDonk Kong on February 08, 2011, 12:21:37 AM
I'm more concerned that ThePerm high-fived a dude that murdered his family and committed suicide. Having said that, I've high-fived Shawn Michaels, touched the WCW World Heavyweight Championship, and slapped Scott Steiner's shoulder...and I have a photo with D-Von Dudley and his autograph (he lives nearby). What does this have to do with anything? Nothing. But then again...yeah, nothing. I like this museum stuff though.
Title: Re: Google's Quest for World Dominance
Post by: BlackNMild2k1 on February 08, 2011, 01:41:59 PM
Speaking of art, www.Google.com (http://www.Google.com) has a 20,000 Leagues Under The Sea theme today
(http://i.imgur.com/Fn9l8.png) You steer the sub with the controls on the right.
Title: Re: Google's Quest for World Dominance
Post by: ThePerm on February 08, 2011, 04:08:28 PM
Perm I get what you're saying, but your argument is flawed. Not because you are not arguing it well, and to be honest you're not, but because you don't understand the point of this.
I have been to the Van Gogh Museum. I thought it was awesome. But am I excited that I can revisit it from my home? Of course I am. What Google did was give us the other side of the same coin.
In fact, I'm of the belief that this will entice more people to actually go to museums.
But sincerely, this is for the people. A gift-wrapped present for all of us to open and enjoy. How is that so bad?
No, no. Im not arguing against having another way to virtually visit the museum. Ian asked why visit the museum at all? Which I think is a really stupid question. This is no doubt the next best thing to seeing it in person.
I'm just saying people should you know venture out of their damned houses. Go visit the museum once, then see it again on google. Unless you've been to Egypt and seen the pyramids then your looking at a simulacrum.
Title: Re: Google's Quest for World Dominance
Post by: Stogi on February 08, 2011, 06:38:25 PM
Simulacrum? Are you sure? I've ridden around the decayed pyramids on a camel and found that experience fascinating.
But back to your argument. When has Ian's views ever been part of the masses? And besides, there is no point in convincing him, because it can't be done.
Title: Re: Google's Quest for World Dominance
Post by: ThePerm on February 09, 2011, 04:55:20 AM
keyword unless
Title: Re: Google's Quest for World Dominance
Post by: BlackNMild2k1 on February 16, 2011, 06:01:21 PM
http://www.demoslam.com/#/slams
Nothing game changing, just something fun to show off Google Products. 2 tech demos (presented in a fun way way) side by side. You watch them both and vote for which one you thought was the best. You go through the match ups until you decide on the clear winner.
Title: Re: Google's Quest for World Dominance
Post by: MaryJane on February 16, 2011, 06:45:50 PM
Wow, here I thought someone had made a thread about Google... You know talking about how Android is uber successful, the next iteration will be called Ice Cream and combine the best features of Honeycomb and Gingerbread. Chrome, Google cars that drive themselves, you know, Google stuff not art vs. computer screens. By the way, one of my favorite artists is Alex Grey and it was definitely a lot better to see his paintings in person. His art is used on merchandise and albums by the band Tool, and none of that could compare to the gallery experience, especially since he gave the tour.
About Google, I was watching this channel I recently discovered on DirecTV called LinkTV, and I forget the name of the show, but they were showing a bunch of small features from around the world, and one segment was about Google. The tribal leader of some natives in India got the chance to use a computer, then asked Google to come and teach his people how to use a computer, and the internet so their story could be part of the world. Google said okay, and is teaching the entire tribe how to use a computer, of course, by using Google.com. But still, that's pretty cool.
Title: Re: Google's Quest for World Dominance
Post by: BlackNMild2k1 on March 13, 2011, 03:12:38 PM
Google experimented with Wave.... still not sure what to think of it. they tried to make their own Twitter with Buzz.... I don't think it did so hot. Now it looks likt they are gonna try to make their own Facebook....
Google Launching Secret New Social Network Called "Circles" http://www.businessinsider.com/google-launching-secret-new-social-network-called-circles-2011-3#ixzz1GVZTZ9Pc
Quote
We believe that Google will preview a major new social service called Google Circles at South by Southwest Interactive today. If what we've heard is correct, the service will offer photo, video and status message sharing.
Everything users share on Circles will be shared only with the most appropriate circle of social contacts in their lives, not with all your contacts in bulk. Circles may be shown off at an event co-hosted tonight by the ACLU, an organization focused on privacy and the liberties it affords. It may not be a big public launch yet, but it's clear that this is a major product in the works at the very least.
Is it necessary? Anyone think it has a chance? Is anyone ready for everything internet to be run through Google?
Title: Re: Google's Quest for World Dominance
Post by: BlackNMild2k1 on March 14, 2011, 12:46:27 AM
http://goggles.sneakygcr.net/
Title: Re: Google's Quest for World Dominance
Post by: MaryJane on March 22, 2011, 02:49:15 PM
Google has given Georgia Tech $1million to build software that 'benchmarks' your personal net neutrality. It will look for evidence of throttling and other things, and then rate how open your internet is.
It certainly is ambitious and it's for a good cause.
Title: Re: Google's Quest for World Dominance
Post by: Morari on March 22, 2011, 05:38:01 PM
It certainly is ambitious and it's for a good cause.
It's a terrible cause. Only pirates/terrorists/witches/commies have a problem with their internet being throttled! It's unamerican to want net neutrality. It's bad for the economy. How else can corporate greed flourish on the internet?
Title: Re: Google's Quest for World Dominance
Post by: BlackNMild2k1 on March 30, 2011, 01:56:04 PM
Google is building their first 1Gb/s internet grid in Kansas City, KS http://googleblog.blogspot.com/2011/03/ultra-high-speed-broadband-is-coming-to.html Coming in 2012 & I hope it spreads fast.
AT&T should definitely be shitting their pants with their ADSL crap. And hopefully it will help Comcast to stop gouging pricing and Verizon to speed up it's FiOS deployment.
Title: Re: Google's Quest for World Dominance
Post by: Stogi on March 30, 2011, 02:16:12 PM
I always wondered how you build internet grid. Do you just lay it on top of an existing grid or do you implant your own?
I hope this spreads fast as well, especially when it comes to education. I can see Professors shitting their pants if given the opportunity to access such a grid. Streaming HD surgeries live would be incredible.
Though for me, I see this making TV even more obsolete especially if someone can get Internet-Ready TV's right.
Title: Re: Google's Quest for World Dominance
Post by: BlackNMild2k1 on March 30, 2011, 02:29:33 PM
mix this with a GoogleTV 2.0, Netflix & Hulu+ and then who would need or even want cable?
Title: Re: Google's Quest for World Dominance
Post by: Stogi on March 30, 2011, 03:04:42 PM
I don't need or want cable now. But your right. The only last line of defense for cable is LIVE programming. It sucks that I have to go to a bar to watch a big game in HD glory (well I guess not that much). With speeds like that, there would be another option.
Title: Re: Google's Quest for World Dominance
Post by: BlackNMild2k1 on March 30, 2011, 10:02:23 PM
Get an HD antennae and you should get all the major networks over the air for Free and less compressed than over cable too I think.
& I just wanted to post this related piece of news as it's from the same cable company that is about to get squeezed out of KC, KS by Google in the story posted up above.
Time-Warner backed bill that prevents Local Gov. from building it's own hi-speed infrastructure moves forward in NC (http://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/news/2011/03/cable-backed-anti-muni-broadband-bill-advances-in-north-carolina.ars?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+arstechnica%2Findex+%28Ars+Technica+-+Featured+Content%29) This is exactly the type of bill they would have wanted to pass in KS to keep a monopoly on the market and keep broadband prices inflated. I really hope Google not only throws around some money to block this but sets up shop in NC too and pushes TW out of that market too while they are at it.
Title: Re: Google's Quest for World Dominance
Post by: ThePerm on March 30, 2011, 11:43:45 PM
its funny how they put the local governments as bad guys, but local governments are your most direct representation of the people.
Title: Re: Google's Quest for World Dominance
Post by: Morari on March 31, 2011, 11:20:56 AM
Indeed. If it weren't for all of these government sponsored monopolies (telecoms, cable companies, etc), we'd all have much better internet by now. Instead these old dinosaurs of corporations are doing everything they can to outright destroy the internet. They've done a pathetic job of connecting and upgrading entire regions, and now they're trying to make the entire existence of the web meaningless by shrugging off net neutrality.
They want to sell you an expensive, passive "television-like" experience. They don't want to simply sell you utility service.
Title: Re: Google's Quest for World Dominance
Post by: MaryJane on March 31, 2011, 11:44:08 AM
Indeed. If it weren't for all of these government sponsored monopolies
Also sponsored by the same local governments that are now getting screwed; it's a modern day case of being impaled on you own sword.
Title: Re: Google's Quest for World Dominance
Post by: Morari on March 31, 2011, 01:20:48 PM
Exactly.
Most of these situations exist solely because local municipals gave exclusive rights to telephone and cable companies decades ago. Generally, it was expected to be a "fair" trade-off. Cable companies were given exclusive rights to a territory and in return they would build and run the infrastructure. The problem, of course, is that most of these companies have only done just enough to get by. There's no competition by law, so they don't really have anything to worry about. They can charge you and I outrageous fees, while providing bottom of the barrel service.
What's really frustrating however, is that they have received plenty of government funding throughout the years (even from a national level) to upgrade and expand services. It never happens though. Most companies even instate "rural access" fees, charging everyone a little extra so that they can provide service to "less profitable" areas... again though, they never do.
Title: Re: Google's Quest for World Dominance
Post by: MaryJane on May 11, 2011, 05:14:14 PM
Google really is trying to take over the world! Their showing a lot of different things at their Google I/O event, http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/21/google-i-o-recap-more-web-than-you-can-shake-a-frozen-desert-at/ (http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/21/google-i-o-recap-more-web-than-you-can-shake-a-frozen-desert-at/)
Highlights include Google TV coming hard:
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As for partners, it's just as we heard: Sony will launch Sony Internet TVs and Blu-ray players with Google TV in the fall, and Logitech will introduce a set-top box with a Harmony remote and an HD camera for video chat at some point in the future. Dish Network will also launch a Google TV box at some point, while Best Buy will promote the platform as a whole in-store.
Google partnering with GM for infotainment services:
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Functionally, it seemed like the same Google Maps we've enjoyed for months (http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/28/google-navigation-video-hands-on-you-want-this/), but GM's version of Navigation keeps track of two dynamic locations instead of one: your phone, and your car. With a single button press the app contacts the Volt's internal GPS, letting you know exactly where you parked, and with another press, it can provide turn-by-turn voice directions from your current position to take you back there. What's more, you can search for addresses and locations on your handset, then relay them to OnStar (again, with a single touch) so that they're queued up and waiting for you in the vehicle's dedicated GPS once you arrive. All of this was accomplished within a "navigation" tab in the OnStar app, leaving us wondering if we'd have to use it instead of Google's own when communicating with our auto, but we imagine the companies will figure that out.
mSpot music service (not from Google, but they used the event to launch):
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The free limit is right around 2GB (exact size is TBD), so if you've got more than a second generation iPod's worth of audio, this here service will only serve as a tease. For those who fall under that threshold, there's plenty to love, and if you're down for ponying up, you'll be able to secure 10GB for $2.99 per month or 20GB for $4.99 per month. Launched today at Google I/O, this "freemium" music cloud service essentially syncs your entire music library (either in iTunes (http://www.engadget.com/tag/iTunes/) or a user-designated arrangement of folders) with mSpot's servers -- provided your library is less than 20GB, of course -- and then makes it available anywhere. Phones and other computers should have no issue tapping in (though only Android will be supported out of the gate), and the app itself runs quietly in the background in order to check for new additions / subtractions and mirror said changes in your online library. For now, the service is available by invitation only through mspot.com, with public availability slated for next month.
That's from the Engadget link above, but this article: http://www.zdnet.com/blog/btl/google-io-mspot-streams-personal-music-collections-from-the-cloud/34666 (http://www.zdnet.com/blog/btl/google-io-mspot-streams-personal-music-collections-from-the-cloud/34666) provides a little more information. I put that there, because Google is also launching a music streaming service called, wait for it, Google Music Beta, but as of now, no pricing structure has been given, but the people in the private beta get to store and stream up to 20,000 songs: http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/11/google-music-beta-walkthrough-what-it-is-and-how-it-works-vide/ (http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/11/google-music-beta-walkthrough-what-it-is-and-how-it-works-vide/)
Then there is also Chrome OS coming hard: http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/11/google-adds-netflix-and-hulu-support-to-new-chromebooks-out-of/ (http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/11/google-adds-netflix-and-hulu-support-to-new-chromebooks-out-of/)
Quote
Google's also just announced the cost of these Chromebooks and there's no upfront payment to speak of. Instead, Chrome OS laptops will be distributed on the basis of a recurring monthly subscription, which will cost $28 per user for businesses and $20 per user for schools. That includes regular software and hardware upgrades. Hardware as a service, folks!
Two new Chrome OS laptops: http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/11/google-unveils-acer-chromebook-349/ (http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/11/google-unveils-acer-chromebook-349/) http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/11/stub-official-samsung-reveals-chrome-os-laptops/ (http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/11/stub-official-samsung-reveals-chrome-os-laptops/) Worldwide Chrome Web Store: http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/11/google-makes-chome-web-store-available-worldwide-adds-in-app-pu/ (http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/11/google-makes-chome-web-store-available-worldwide-adds-in-app-pu/) And a desktop version: http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/11/google-teases-samsung-built-chromebox-desktop-version-of-chrome/ (http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/11/google-teases-samsung-built-chromebox-desktop-version-of-chrome/)
Then there's Google's 'Android @home' home automation service: http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/10/google-announces-android-at-home-framework/ (http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/10/google-announces-android-at-home-framework/) Complete with light bulbs to broadcast signal: http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/11/lighting-science-demos-android-home-bulbs-promises-dead-simpl/ (http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/11/lighting-science-demos-android-home-bulbs-promises-dead-simpl/)
Also, the next version of Android will stretch across tablets and smartphones and will be called Ice Cream Sandwich (ICS): http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/10/google-announces-ice-cream-sadwich-for-q4-2011-for-smartphones/ (http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/10/google-announces-ice-cream-sadwich-for-q4-2011-for-smartphones/) Complete with NFC sharing: http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/11/android-0-click-nfc-sharing-demonstrated-in-ice-cream-sandwich/ (http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/11/android-0-click-nfc-sharing-demonstrated-in-ice-cream-sandwich/)
And finally, they've updated the current version of Android: http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/10/google-announces-android-3-1/ (http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/10/google-announces-android-3-1/)
WHEW! Has one company ever tried to do so much? Next thing you know, they're going to buy Walmart! Is it any wonder MS bought Skype? Google is coming for them... and maybe all of us.
Edit: I forgot the thing that made me think of doing this in the first place: Youtube is entering the movie streaming rental arena with a good number of partners and video: http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/09/youtube-will-add-3-000-streaming-movies-for-rent-but-wont-say/ (http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/09/youtube-will-add-3-000-streaming-movies-for-rent-but-wont-say/)
Title: Re: Google's Quest for World Dominance
Post by: Stogi on May 11, 2011, 05:58:31 PM
As long as everything is open-sourced, I only see it as a good thing. More pressure on Apple and Microsoft is always a good thing.
I've been thinking about Chromebooks that need no down payment and only cost $20 a month. I wouldn't use it as a replacement for my regular computing experience as it is too limiting; however, during those short bursts where I'd like a computer but either don't want to take my laptop or can't, chromebook could be just the thing I need.
For instance, if I my computer is in the shop or recently just failed and I need a computer, $20 is as good as you can get for a replacement.
Title: Re: Google's Quest for World Dominance
Post by: MaryJane on May 23, 2011, 11:15:43 AM
Google trying to stand up to a corporate sponsored law that would allow the government to step in and shut down any website it deems guilty of copyright infringement. As much as I would like to spout off about how corporations are unduly influencing the government, let's try to look at this only from a Google vs. The MPAA and RIAA standpoint.
What Google CEO Eric Schmidt said:
Quote
If there is a law that requires DNS [domain name systems, the protocol that allows users to connect to Web sites], to do x, and it's passed by both houses of Congress and signed by the president of the United States, and we disagree with it, then we would still fight it...If it's a request, the answer is we wouldn't do it; if it's a discussion, we wouldn't do it.
The MPAA response:
Quote
In April, Google senior vice president and general counsel Kent Walker testified before Congress that ‘Google supports developing effective policy and technology tools to combat large-scale commercial infringement.’ That’s exactly what the PROTECT IP Act is designed to do – it creates a narrowly-drawn, carefully constructed solution to the threat to American jobs and America’s economy, a solution that protects and strengthens our right to free speech. As constitutional law expert Floyd Abrams wrote, ‘[c]opyright violations are not protected by the First Amendment.’
Is Eric Schmidt really suggesting that if Congress passes a law and President Obama signs it, Google wouldn’t follow it? As an American company respected around the world, it’s unfortunate that, at least according to its executive chairman’s comments, Google seems to think it’s above America’s laws.
We’ve heard this ‘but the law doesn’t apply to me’ argument before – but usually, it comes from content thieves, not a Fortune 500 company. Google should know better. And the notion that China would use a bi-partisan, narrowly tailored bill as a pretext for censorship is laughable, as Google knows, China does what China does.
The RIAA response:
Quote
The head of a multi-billion dollar leading American company openly suggesting they would defy the will of Congress AND the President? This on the heels of Google’s General Counsel’s testimony before the U.S. House of Representatives where he pledged his company’s commitment to fighting online theft. It’s no surprise creators’ rights groups have expressed outrage in response to his comments (see here and here). We’ve expressed our own bewilderment as well:
"This is baffling. As a legitimate company, Google has a responsibility to not benefit from criminal activity. In substance and spirit, this contradicts the recent testimony of Google's General Counsel that the company takes copyright theft seriously and was willing to step up to the plate in a cooperative and serious way."
I'm glad to see Google (who does seem to be trying to take over the world) is on the side of the consumer, noncensorship, and technology. This Protect IP bill is way too far overreaching, and could potentially allow for the shut down of website who did nothing wrong at all. What if Youtube could be shutdown for sharing a copyrighted video, just when it so happens that another video was posted showing some sort of government misdeeds? It is a far too overreaching solution for what is a truly complex problem. Hopefully Google can use its influence and money to better this bill.
Title: Re: Google's Quest for World Dominance
Post by: NWR_insanolord on May 23, 2011, 05:33:23 PM
Now if only they could get back on the right side of the net neutrality debate.
Title: Re: Google's Quest for World Dominance
Post by: BlackNMild2k1 on May 26, 2011, 01:40:29 PM
(http://i53.tinypic.com/fx81z7.png) http://www.google.com/wallet/ Manage all your credit cards in your phone. make payments from your phone. Soon you will no longer need to carry your wallet anymore.... unless you need cash.... or your ID....
(http://i53.tinypic.com/72sjkp.png) http://www.google.com/offers/ Googles version of Groupon/LivingSocial Location based "coupons" that sync with Google Wallet soon to have a loyalty program built in.
Google just needs to buy Amazon, get that FiberOptics out nationwide, get to work on that energy plant/cube thing, commercialize the cars that drive themselves, improve upon GoogleTV and provide us all with jobs and they will soon rule all of our lives.
Title: Re: Google's Quest for World Dominance
Post by: Ceric on May 26, 2011, 01:42:15 PM
(http://i53.tinypic.com/fx81z7.png) http://www.google.com/wallet/ Manage all your credit cards in your phone. make payments from your phone. Soon you will no longer need to carry your wallet anymore.... unless you need cash.... or your ID....
(http://i53.tinypic.com/72sjkp.png) http://www.google.com/offers/ Googles version of Groupon/LivingSocial Location based "coupons" that sync with Google Wallet soon to have a loyalty program built in.
Google just needs to buy Amazon, get that FiberOptics out nationwide, get to work on that energy plant/cube thing, commercialize the cars that drive themselves, improve upon GoogleTV and provide us all with jobs and they will soon rule all of our lives.
That sounds like Socialism >.<
Title: Re: Google's Quest for World Dominance
Post by: Stogi on May 26, 2011, 02:26:59 PM
Hey, if this means more phones will have NFC (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Near_field_communication), then I'm all for it. That technology is sick.
By the way, I thought Apple would have rolled this out first since they tested the waters with their Starbucks app.
Title: Re: Google's Quest for World Dominance
Post by: BlackNMild2k1 on May 26, 2011, 02:41:34 PM
Hey, if this means more phones will have NFC (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Near_field_communication), then I'm all for it. That technology is sick.
By the way, I thought Apple would have rolled this out first since they tested the waters with their Starbucks app.
I was just thinking of a use for that tech and the first thing that came to mind was The Grocery Store. Each store supplies their own baskets and each of these baskets have the tech built in (powered by an invisible grid on the floor) and it tracks every item put into the basket. when you are done shopping you step through a self check out line and a monitor displays a list and the price total of everything in the basket. [this is where you would present any paper coupons* or foodstamps/money vouchers to the clerk] You then select "OK" on your phone to automatically pay for it if you are using just a card. If the payment is accepted, then you pass through to the bagging area where you can bag your groceries if necessary (or take a handful of bags and bag them at your car as you put them in the trunk). But no more waiting in line to pay for groceries for 20minutes.
* any electronic coupons (Groupons/Living Social/Google Offers) that are loaded to your Google Wallet will automatically deduct and be reflected on the Displayed list at checkout.
Title: Re: Google's Quest for World Dominance
Post by: Stogi on May 26, 2011, 03:04:24 PM
That's not a bad idea but it would also have to use RFID tag info and not NFC alone.
My first use for NFC would be trading contact info. It's such a hassle these days to get a number then either call them or send them a text. That **** sucks. It also sucks when someone tells you to "Facebook" them. That's incredibly emasculating.
It would be much easier and honestly kinda sexy as a precursor for your phones to bump uglies before you do. Also, you could get all sorts of other information other than just their number, like most importantly - a picture, which during drunken blurs of a night are a God send.
Title: Re: Google's Quest for World Dominance
Post by: BlackNMild2k1 on May 26, 2011, 03:51:25 PM
They already have an app for trading info called "Bump It" where you both load up the app and bump phones and it exchanges each others numbers and other info (that you pre-determine before hand).
Title: Re: Google's Quest for World Dominance
Post by: Stogi on May 26, 2011, 04:01:41 PM
I've seen that and it fails for three reason:
One, you still need to be connected to the internet via 3G, 4G or Wifi.
Two, both users have to open the app.
Three, it uses location data and therefore could get mixed up if the app were to take off.
NFC doesn't need those prerequisites to work and can't get mixed up. I can pull up my contact card, tap the back of your phone, and it'll transfer, even if you were doing something else. No app, no added steps.
Title: Re: Google's Quest for World Dominance
Post by: Ceric on May 26, 2011, 04:23:28 PM
You know StreetPass would solve all those problems.
Title: Re: Google's Quest for World Dominance
Post by: Stogi on May 26, 2011, 04:44:59 PM
Yeah that's why I've had a great interest in finding out how exactly it works. And a week ago, I think I figured it out. StreetPass uses something called Wifi-Direct. I think Maryjane brought it up once, but basically it's a way to connect and exchange data without the need for an access point or the internet. It's like Bluetooth on crack. It can connect to 8 different devices at once as well.
As of right now there are only a handful of phones that are Wifi-Direct Certified (all of them Android), but the greatest thing about Wifi-Direct is that all you need is one device to be certified for it to work. So I wanted to exchange info with someone who had an older phone but still had a regular Wifi card, we could still connect.
EDIT: The bad thing about it though is that it still takes time to connect. The way Nintendo gets around this is through proprietary software. They programmed the 3DS to search out other devices by sending out a tag. When another 3DS is in range, those tags circumvent the security process and immediately connect. Once connected, they share information.
I believe someone could right an app to do the same thing, but the app would have to be on all the time. Thanks to multi-tasking, that shouldn't be too much of a problem though.
But to immediately trade information, that time it takes to connect makes it unlikely to compete with NFC when transferring data up close.
Title: Re: Google's Quest for World Dominance
Post by: Ceric on May 26, 2011, 04:48:33 PM
Yeah that's why I've had a great interest in finding out how exactly it works. And a week ago, I think I figured it out. StreetPass uses something called Wifi-Direct. I think Maryjane brought it up once, but basically it's a way to connect and exchange data without the need for an access point or the internet. It's like Bluetooth on crack. It can connect to 8 different devices at once as well.
As of right now there are only a handful of phones that are Wifi-Direct Certified (all of them Android), but the greatest thing about Wifi-Direct is that all you need is one device to be certified for it to work. So I wanted to exchange info with someone who had an older phone but still had a regular Wifi card, we could still connect.
Sounds like Adhoc Wireless.
Title: Re: Google's Quest for World Dominance
Post by: Stogi on May 26, 2011, 04:54:19 PM
It is. It's a form of it that has been greatly simplified. While Ad-hoc requires one device to be the access point that the other device connects to, this does away with that (except when dealing with older technology).
Title: Re: Google's Quest for World Dominance
Post by: BlackNMild2k1 on May 26, 2011, 05:01:27 PM
One, you still need to be connected to the internet via 3G, 4G or Wifi.
Two, both users have to open the app.
Three, it uses location data and therefore could get mixed up if the app were to take off.
NFC doesn't need those prerequisites to work and can't get mixed up. I can pull up my contact card, tap the back of your phone, and it'll transfer, even if you were doing something else. No app, no added steps.
but I don't want random people giving me their info or vice versa on accident. I don't think both people having the app open is that big of a deal. You should have to accept a contact info exchange afterall (image guys in the club bumping random chicks phones and either sending them dick pics or snaggin their personal info w/o their knowledge).
I've never used the program, but I didn't know it required an online connection and I'm not 100% why the location data would screw up the contact info if the program was removed.
Title: Re: Google's Quest for World Dominance
Post by: Stogi on May 26, 2011, 05:33:24 PM
Bump (and other apps like it) uses your location data to identify the devices that are trying to share info. Therefore, if there are a bunch of people (think a convention) trying to share contact info, confusion can occur.
I agree with you that assholes will take advantage of the situation and people won't mind opening up an app if it means more security. But that's all it should take.
Check it out here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=49L7z3rxz4Q&feature=player_embedded#at=868
You got to admit. NFC is dope.
Title: Re: Google's Quest for World Dominance
Post by: BlackNMild2k1 on May 26, 2011, 07:29:58 PM
I think it look & sounds awesome, but there should be an app you launch to share stuff. I would fear that people are stealing my contacts and any other info stored on my phone just by getting close enough to activate the tech.
We can all multi task, so it shouldn't take much to press home during whatever you're doing, then click the NFC button on the home screen, then go back to what you are doing and your auto share is activated. Or everytime an autoshare is activated, you have to click a confirm icon on your screen in order for the data to transfer. There has got to be some sort of security/protection against theft and accidental sharing.
I can already see soooo many girls numbers getting jacked in the club that it's not even funny.
John: Hey Jenny, where's carla at? Jenny: She don't want to see you or hear from you again, she changed her number and isn't coming out tonite. John: Can you just call her for me and tell her I said I'm sorry. ::Jenny pulls out phone and goes to Carla's contact info:: ::John places his phone real close to Jenny's while she's doing it:: *info auto-shared* John: trollface.jpg
Stalking will have now have a new tech too. I'm sure I don't need to give an example for that one.
Title: Re: Google's Quest for World Dominance
Post by: Stogi on May 26, 2011, 10:08:12 PM
Hahaha you sound like a nervous Einstien after he split the atom. "But what if it's used for evil?!"
Relax, pimpin'. Simple precautions will be setup I'm sure. And when it does get popular enough, your phone will have the clap from getting so many numbers.
Title: Re: Google's Quest for World Dominance
Post by: Ceric on June 02, 2011, 12:39:18 PM
Google ate all of the Bookmark and Share links on the site to become the Google 1-Click...
Title: Re: Google's Quest for World Dominance
Post by: Stogi on June 23, 2011, 06:24:10 PM
Finally got invited to Google Music. I put almost all my songs on it, including those I made and now I have access to them everywhere, on my phone or computer. It's pretty much the ****.
I especially like how it has a little pandora/grooveshark in it. What I mean by that is I can make instant playlists using a song that I like as the inspiration. It kinda sucks that I couldn't import my own playlists that I have already, but that's not a big deal.
Overall, the style of the player is slick and clean. I don't know if I would pay for this service just yet...but I really like it so far. In fact, I'm putting my idea into place and making another account (that I hope gets invited as well). This new account I'm going to share with all of my friends around the states and tell them to upload their favorite music. That way, I can always see what my friends are listening to and know that I'll probably like it too.
Title: Re: Google's Quest for World Dominance
Post by: BlackNMild2k1 on June 23, 2011, 07:51:46 PM
I just installed my Google Music app. I had almost forgotten about it.
But it looks like Google is getting into Games http://www.google.com/intl/en/jobs/uslocations/mountain-view/product/product-manager-games-mountain-view/index.html
Title: Re: Google's Quest for World Dominance
Post by: BlackNMild2k1 on June 28, 2011, 05:14:43 PM
Google+ https://plus.google.com/up/start/?sw=1&type=st Goggle's answer to facebook is about to go Live. Best thing about it (I think) is that if you already have a google/gmail account, then you will already be apart of it and it centers around the Google search page.
Interactive Tour http://www.google.com/+/demo/
Things like Huddle - which allows 6 people to text message in a group chat Circles - which allows you to decide which group people belong to and therefore what communications they are allowed to see. Hangout - which looks like video chat with randoms from your circle(s) Instant Upload - self explanatory, to a private G+ location Sparks - some kind of push marketing that targets things that fits your interest
Title: Re: Google's Quest for World Dominance
Post by: Ceric on June 28, 2011, 05:20:56 PM
The last time they tried this it was terrible.
Title: Re: Google's Quest for World Dominance
Post by: Morari on June 28, 2011, 06:08:02 PM
Best thing about it (I think) is that if you already have a google/gmail account, then you will already be apart of it and it centers around the Google search page.
You mean the worst part? The last thing the internet needs is more social networking. There's a good reason I only use Gmail for spam accounts. No way am I going to give an advertising company access to my information.
Title: Re: Google's Quest for World Dominance
Post by: Shaymin on June 28, 2011, 07:06:04 PM
The worst part about it being tied to Gmail is that it's now going to be impossible to create the Jon Lindemann joke account.
Title: Re: Google's Quest for World Dominance
Post by: NWR_insanolord on June 28, 2011, 10:56:38 PM
The worst part about it being tied to Gmail is that it's now going to be impossible to create the Jon Lindemann joke account.
Quote from: Google
When you sign-up for Google+, there is no authentication process. As with many of our products, we rely on our users and the community to report any impersonations. We then review these reports and act accordingly. You can try to determine if someone is who they claim to be by viewing their profile, posts, etc. Or if you know them, you can contact them directly.
Title: Re: Google's Quest for World Dominance
Post by: Plugabugz on July 01, 2011, 03:34:35 AM
The unwritten rule of NWR is nobody is allowed to determine whether Jon Lindemann is the REAL Jon Lindemann.
Break this rule and Jon will ban you himself.
Title: Re: Google's Quest for World Dominance
Post by: ShyGuy on July 12, 2011, 04:04:30 PM
Im on the plus, bleeding edge internet kewl.
Title: Re: Google's Quest for World Dominance
Post by: Stogi on July 12, 2011, 04:14:39 PM
Im on + as well. I can't seem to find a way to plan events.
I also don't know how to chat outside of 'Hangout' with a person who's email I don't know.
Title: Re: Google's Quest for World Dominance
Post by: Ceric on July 12, 2011, 04:35:55 PM
"NWR" is one of my circles. Almost everyone I follow right now is in it.
Title: Re: Google's Quest for World Dominance
Post by: BlackNMild2k1 on July 13, 2011, 02:27:29 AM
I requested an invite, but I don't think I ever received it.
Title: Re: Google's Quest for World Dominance
Post by: NWR_insanolord on July 13, 2011, 03:33:15 AM
I can give you one if you want.
Title: Re: Google's Quest for World Dominance
Post by: Stogi on July 13, 2011, 04:16:12 AM
As could I.
Title: Re: Google's Quest for World Dominance
Post by: Ceric on July 13, 2011, 09:00:17 AM
As could I.
Title: Re: Google's Quest for World Dominance
Post by: Ceric on July 13, 2011, 09:06:38 AM
Welp, I'm Stephen Shook if anyone wants to Encircle me or whatever its being called. You'll know its me by the transformer cake surrounded by Carebears.
Anyone want to try the Hangout feature at about 8:30CST tonight?
Title: Re: Google's Quest for World Dominance
Post by: NWR_insanolord on July 13, 2011, 11:44:27 AM
Oh, so that's you. I keep getting messages that I've been added by a name I've never heard of, and I have to go to their profile and see that they're also following other NWR staff and then I figure it's one of you people. I follow like 11 people on G+, and 8 of them are in my NWR circle.
Title: Re: Google's Quest for World Dominance
Post by: Ceric on July 13, 2011, 12:12:41 PM
Oh, so that's you. I keep getting messages that I've been added by a name I've never heard of, and I have to go to their profile and see that they're also following other NWR staff and then I figure it's one of you people. I follow like 11 people on G+, and 8 of them are in my NWR circle.
Yep, That's me. The picture is bad because its from when Google first wanted a picture from GMail chat stuff and well it did horrible things to the picture.
Title: Re: Google's Quest for World Dominance
Post by: ShyGuy on July 13, 2011, 12:24:27 PM
My NWR circle is 12 strong. /superior.
Title: Re: Google's Quest for World Dominance
Post by: Ceric on July 13, 2011, 12:26:27 PM
If I knew more peoples actual name mine be larger ;P
Title: Re: Google's Quest for World Dominance
Post by: Ceric on July 13, 2011, 08:25:09 PM
I'm hangin right now.
Title: Re: Google's Quest for World Dominance
Post by: ThePerm on July 17, 2011, 01:44:11 AM
ooh google + is going to be awesome, i already like when Youtube updates me on channels i like, but soon g+ will probably be the forum for everything
Title: Re: Google's Quest for World Dominance
Post by: TJ Spyke on July 17, 2011, 02:09:46 AM
Meh, it's OK so far. To be honest though, it doesn't really offer anything I like that Facebook doesn't already do.
Title: Re: Google's Quest for World Dominance
Post by: ThePerm on July 17, 2011, 02:41:16 PM
i wonder how many people will get insulted the're in the acquaintance circle?
Title: Re: Google's Quest for World Dominance
Post by: Stogi on July 17, 2011, 03:33:18 PM
No one can tell as far as I know.
Title: Re: Google's Quest for World Dominance
Post by: Ceric on July 17, 2011, 05:25:58 PM
Google is making a point to not let people now what circle they are in. Which is a good call.
But, it will never be as popular as Facebook without Events, Groups, and Corporate pages.
Sparks can be cool
Title: Re: Google's Quest for World Dominance
Post by: NWR_insanolord on July 18, 2011, 02:24:17 AM
The circles system is fantastic. The whole thing is designed in a way that it can function in the manners of both Facebook and Twitter, which operate in fairly distinct ways, simultaneously. It's missing stuff like events, but those are sure to be coming at some point.
Title: Re: Google's Quest for World Dominance
Post by: Ceric on July 18, 2011, 12:58:51 PM
They're also missing a lot of integration with their current online offerings. I figure that will come with time but, when is the question.
Title: Re: Google's Quest for World Dominance
Post by: Stogi on July 18, 2011, 05:32:25 PM
Calendars integration seems like an no brainer.
Title: Re: Google's Quest for World Dominance
Post by: Stogi on July 25, 2011, 08:46:19 PM
Youtube Live
Thank God for Youtube Live. It allowed be to watch every single Copa America game without having to go out to the bars. It also has live concerts on there like the upcoming Jane's Addiction today at 9. I hope they keep expanding it.
Title: Re: Google's Quest for World Dominance
Post by: BlackNMild2k1 on August 15, 2011, 01:28:22 PM
Google buys Motorola Mobility (http://techcrunch.com/2011/08/15/breaking-google-buys-motorola-for-12-5-billion/) (this is brought up in the Verizon Thread, but this goes beyond just phones & mobile patents)
Quote from: Reddit
What most people don't realize is that besides the cell phone division, Mobility also controls the cable television and set top division. That means Google could potentially move into the cable television or IPTV market a lot harder now. 60% of the cable and fiber television business is run off of Motorola equipment. This is much larger than just cell phones. Disclosure: I work for Mobility's Cable Division. Edit: We know they really bought us for the Cell phone division. We have no idea what to expect on our side. Lots of speculation and no information. Edit 2: This article (http://www.techzone360.com/topics/techzone/articles/208070-google-buys-motorola-mobility.htm) will tell you more and speculates about the set top and cable stuff.
Title: Re: Google's Quest for World Dominance
Post by: TJ Spyke on August 15, 2011, 01:34:39 PM
Google TV basically lets you browse the Internet on your TV and access content like Netflix. I am not sure Comcast would jump on board right now, so far only Dish Network has embraced Google TV.
Title: Re: Google's Quest for World Dominance
Post by: BlackNMild2k1 on August 15, 2011, 02:01:09 PM
A lot of Comcast cable boxes are Motorola, so embracing GoogleTV seems sort of inevitable if Google supplies a majority of boxes.
And even though Google is mostly running Moto Mobile as a separate company, I still think all of Google's Tech will be integrated into whatever hardware Mobility continues to manufacture.
Title: Re: Google's Quest for World Dominance
Post by: TJ Spyke on August 15, 2011, 02:04:22 PM
I honestly don't care either way since I don't have Comcast (I have Dish Network), nor does Google TV interest me enough to pay for it. If I could get it for free, I might get it.
I think Google would love to have more people get access to it, but Comcast has to be convinced that it would be beneficial to them to support it.
Title: Re: Google's Quest for World Dominance
Post by: BlackNMild2k1 on August 15, 2011, 02:11:55 PM
One more reason for people to not goto AT&T or just drop cable all together should be enough.
Google would likely throw it in for free as part of the boxes software package. It will also give Cable providers another incentive for customer to use a company provided DVR/box vs using their own personal TiVO.
Title: Re: Google's Quest for World Dominance
Post by: BlackNMild2k1 on November 04, 2011, 12:11:22 AM
Just a little surprise from Google
Go to www.google.com
and then search for:
Do a barrel roll
&
Tilt
Title: Re: Google's Quest for World Dominance
Post by: UltimatePartyBear on November 04, 2011, 02:44:06 PM
Tilt works, but it won't do a barrel roll for me. Did they take it down already?
Title: Re: Google's Quest for World Dominance
Post by: MegaByte on November 04, 2011, 02:45:50 PM
Your browser has to support it, so stuff like old IE won't do.
Askew also works... it's like tilt, but ever so slightly less so.
Title: Re: Google's Quest for World Dominance
Post by: UltimatePartyBear on November 04, 2011, 03:01:43 PM
Like I'd use IE. I'm using Firefox 3.6.23. Do I have to finally make the jump to version 4 for this?
Title: Re: Google's Quest for World Dominance
Post by: BlackNMild2k1 on November 04, 2011, 03:05:19 PM
Firefox is on version 7 now....
Title: Re: Google's Quest for World Dominance
Post by: UltimatePartyBear on November 04, 2011, 03:17:10 PM
Looks like they started increasing the major version number for minor updates in the middle of the year. I don't get why they'd want to do that, but whatever. Version 4 came out earlier this year, and I hated its interface, so I held off.
Title: Re: Google's Quest for World Dominance
Post by: Ceric on November 04, 2011, 03:23:55 PM
Looks like they started increasing the major version number for minor updates in the middle of the year. I don't get why they'd want to do that, but whatever. Version 4 came out earlier this year, and I hated its interface, so I held off.
IE9 Seriously enough I'm pretty sure that was the reason. They didn't want to seem as young as Chrome when they were as old as IE.
Title: Re: Google's Quest for World Dominance
Post by: TJ Spyke on November 05, 2011, 01:05:22 PM
I like Firefox 4, pretty good. I haven't upgraded more though (it's on 7.0.1 now) because my two favorite extensions are not supported by Firefox 5 and later: Google Toolbar and Freecorder.
Title: Re: Google's Quest for World Dominance
Post by: BlackNMild2k1 on December 09, 2011, 12:45:52 PM
Google announced today that its three-year effort to create a muscular browser technology that can run heavy duty apps such as console-like games is now ready for prime time.
Google has provided the platform to allow games to run in the Chrome browser and make use of the computers 3D graphics hardware. That makes it possible to run games with high-end console-like graphics in a web browser. [...] Google said it would be easy to port existing PC and console games to the Chrome native client, partly because developers can use a varity of familiar programming tools. The Unity 3D game engine will now include a check box that a developer can click in order to make a Unity-based game run on the Chrome browser. That’s pretty darn simple. It means developers don’t have to waste a lot of time rewriting games and other apps for the web, only to see them crawl in slow motion. Besides games, photo and video apps will also benefit from the native client technology.
I don't game in my browser... yet, but this might make it a lot more tempting to just fire up a game and play considering I won't have to load up another program....
I wonder if I'll be able to game in a tab, and then switch to NWR in a different tab and switch back and forth like it was just 2 different web pages?
Title: Re: Google's Quest for World Dominance
Post by: BlackNMild2k1 on April 07, 2012, 12:34:18 PM
The future is here.
Google starts testing Augmented Reality Glasses http://www.theverge.com/2012/4/4/2925237/googles-project-glass-augmented-reality-glasses-begin-testing https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9c6W4CCU9M4
The future is gonna be one crazy place. Finally Google+(Facebook) will have purpose in my life.
Imagine being able to do facial recognition (or the glasses could talk wirelessly) of people you run across so that you will instantly know their name, last place you saw them and when. You can plan meetings and do location sharing so that you know where each other are and can find each other easily. Never get lost again. Discretely take photos of people/things without having to pull out a camera.
On the downside though. People walking around talking to themselves is annoying enough with just an bluetooth earpiece. Imagine them now darting their heads around for viewpoints at the same time. Car accidents, walking accidents and all kinds of accidents are bound to happen because people are too easily distracted and think they can multi-task at the same time.
Title: Re: Google's Quest for World Dominance
Post by: TJ Spyke on April 07, 2012, 12:39:23 PM
That last paragraph is why I have concern about this, you have idiots talking on cell phones in their cars (even in states where it is banned), so you know there would be idiots using these glass while driving.
I wouldn't mind being able to take some...discrete... pictures without others knowing. LOL. Oh, and I suppose being able to find someone's name when I can't remember it would be nice too. LOL
Title: Re: Google's Quest for World Dominance
Post by: BlackNMild2k1 on April 07, 2012, 12:56:57 PM
Just picture seeing some hot chick across the room.
you tell your glasses to pull up her G+/fb page. where you start reading up on her before you even meet her. You find out her name, her status, some of her likes and dislikes and prep yourself to make a move.
but what you didn't know was that her glasses alerted her that you were checking out her G+/fb page and prompted her to see your page and then even pointed out where in the room you were.
Could be interesting in good and bad ways.
Title: Re: Google's Quest for World Dominance
Post by: oohhboy on April 07, 2012, 01:13:06 PM
They are god ugly even for prototypes. It didn't get my eyes lasered just to put on glasses again. Talk to me again when we have something cool like Joanna Dark's much cooler and less intrusive AR monocle with built in ad blocker.
Title: Re: Google's Quest for World Dominance
Post by: BlackNMild2k1 on April 07, 2012, 01:21:46 PM
Oh god!! I didn't even think of all the Ads that would be built into this thing.
Walk past a Coke ad and a small video pops up and starts playing, "Enjoy Coke"
but something hilarious I just thought of, assuming people can write their own apps for the device. Some facial recognition software (or some sort of account link) would reveal people on the street for who they are on certain websites such as Adult Friend Finder, and it would look like you are walking in a real life version of The Sims
see a innocent looking and mildly attractive brunette sitting at the coffee shop, a bubble pops up saying "SupaFreakNasty69 @ Adult Friend Finder - [see profile]"
so much fun to be had.
Title: Re: Google's Quest for World Dominance
Post by: oohhboy on April 07, 2012, 01:27:01 PM
There is an episode of How I Met Your Mother that dealt with that using Modern Technology. It ruined dating by leaving not to explore and reveling how ungodly shallow(More so) relationships would become.
Title: Re: Google's Quest for World Dominance
Post by: BlackNMild2k1 on April 07, 2012, 01:28:38 PM
do you remember the episode name? or number?
HIMYM is on Netflix, so I might be able to check it out.
Title: Re: Google's Quest for World Dominance
Post by: oohhboy on April 07, 2012, 01:33:04 PM
Episode: 7.6 Mystery vs. History.
Title: Re: Google's Quest for World Dominance
Post by: BlackNMild2k1 on April 07, 2012, 01:37:48 PM
:( that's from the new season. Not up on Netflix yet. I'll find and watch it later.
Title: Re: Google's Quest for World Dominance
Post by: Shorty McNostril on April 07, 2012, 05:29:26 PM
Too bad for those people who don't wear glasses.
Title: Re: Google's Quest for World Dominance
Post by: BlackNMild2k1 on April 07, 2012, 06:21:14 PM
I'm not sure what you mean by that, but they are supposedly working on a version that is part of your glasses, a version for people that don't wear glasses and a version for those what would prefer a contact lense.
Quote
Google's now testing its Project Glass augmented reality glasses, but it sounds like this is only the first step in its AR plans. One of the engineers on Project Glass, Babak Parviz, is an associate professor at the University of Washington who specializes in bionanotechnology and helped to create a single pixel contact lens display, which was recently tested on live animals. Obviously, a lot more than a single pixel will be needed for this technology to be useful, Google appears to have the right people in place to take augmented realty from glasses to lenses. We're years away from that being a reality, but it's something to look forward to if you think the Project Glass hardware is just a bit too obtrusive to wear on a day-to-day basis.
Title: Re: Google's Quest for World Dominance
Post by: SixthAngel on April 08, 2012, 01:31:30 PM
Title: Re: Google's Quest for World Dominance
Post by: nickmitch on April 08, 2012, 01:55:09 PM
But only hipsters will wear them ironically.
Title: Re: Google's Quest for World Dominance
Post by: Shorty McNostril on April 08, 2012, 08:44:48 PM
They should build this into those ridiculous shutter glasses.
Title: Re: Google's Quest for World Dominance
Post by: tendoboy1984 on April 09, 2012, 12:28:33 AM
Nothing wrong with Google. They built the most popular search engine, they have the world's best web browser (Chrome), they have the most popular smartphone OS (Android), they own the most popular user-submitted video site (Youtube). Google is indeed a dominant force in the internet industry, but that just gives them great brand-recognition.
Google Docs is better than Microsoft Office. Everything is saved online, and it's so easy to access from Google Chrome just by signing into your browser.
I tried Microsoft's SkyDrive and MS Office web apps. They're ok, but nothing beats Google's eye for simplicity and ease of use.
Now I'm kind of regretting my purchase of an iPod Touch. I like it, and I love how it syncs with iTunes, but Android is just so much more popular now, and all of Google's web apps integrate so well with it.
I should have bought a Samsung Galaxy Player (Android MP3 player that's competing with the iPod).
Title: Re: Google's Quest for World Dominance
Post by: tendoboy1984 on April 09, 2012, 12:30:26 AM
I'm not sure what you mean by that, but they are supposedly working on a version that is part of your glasses, a version for people that don't wear glasses and a version for those what would prefer a contact lense.
Quote
Google's now testing its Project Glass augmented reality glasses, but it sounds like this is only the first step in its AR plans. One of the engineers on Project Glass, Babak Parviz, is an associate professor at the University of Washington who specializes in bionanotechnology and helped to create a single pixel contact lens display, which was recently tested on live animals. Obviously, a lot more than a single pixel will be needed for this technology to be useful, Google appears to have the right people in place to take augmented realty from glasses to lenses. We're years away from that being a reality, but it's something to look forward to if you think the Project Glass hardware is just a bit too obtrusive to wear on a day-to-day basis.
I don't get the point of animal testing for vision-related products. I oppose most forms of animal testing in general. Wouldn't a human subject be a better candidate for vision testing, since humans can provide much better feedback?
Title: Re: Google's Quest for World Dominance
Post by: BlackNMild2k1 on April 09, 2012, 10:11:29 PM
I think they were trying to make sure that the lenses didn't physically damage the cornea of the eye and that the animal can still move around like normal while wearing the lenses.
Title: Re: Google's Quest for World Dominance
Post by: nickmitch on April 09, 2012, 10:57:52 PM
Also, testing products on people is REALLY expensive. You need to be absolutely sure about a product before you get to that point.
Title: Re: Google's Quest for World Dominance
Post by: BlackNMild2k1 on April 09, 2012, 11:48:11 PM
Yeah, rabbits & rats won't go to the press and/or try to sue you for millions of dollars if something goes horrible wrong.
Title: Re: Google's Quest for World Dominance
Post by: TJ Spyke on April 10, 2012, 01:12:54 AM
But when humans participate in studies, they usually sign a waiver giving up any rights to sue in case something goes wrong (even death).
Title: Re: Google's Quest for World Dominance
Post by: BlackNMild2k1 on April 10, 2012, 01:40:42 AM
but that won't stop them and/or their families from going to the press and making waves or seeking compensation.
Title: Re: Google's Quest for World Dominance
Post by: TJ Spyke on April 10, 2012, 02:07:03 AM
Thatis where NDAs come in (which I am seeing in more test studies now), would they want to go to the press knowing they will then get sued and likely lose?
Title: Re: Google's Quest for World Dominance
Post by: BlackNMild2k1 on April 10, 2012, 02:16:02 AM
but the family didn't sign it. They may want to raise awareness after watching the effects on a loved one.
Title: Re: Google's Quest for World Dominance
Post by: MegaByte on April 10, 2012, 02:53:12 AM
You can't sign away all rights in an agreement; some things wouldn't be enforceable in court no matter what the agreement said.
Title: Re: Google's Quest for World Dominance
Post by: BranDonk Kong on April 10, 2012, 06:56:48 PM
Don't tell SONY that...
Title: Re: Google's Quest for World Dominance
Post by: Stogi on April 10, 2012, 07:24:59 PM
That's pretty sick and honestly easily feasible as we continue to scale down electronics.
What I'm hoping for though is more than just that.
It'd be sick if we could change our eye color on the fly, the tint on your glasses or even write words or scrolling sentences on them. That's not only cool, but it could be like, "You were invited to 'X' party." When I show up there, my eye color changes to a certain hue (or a bunch of hues) and they see that I've been invited.
Also, how about it saving all that we see in order to 'recall' something we may recognize or something that is similar; like, I know I've seen that girl before...but where? *Accessing* Or even better, remembering things we had forgotten. Like "Yo I gave you that last week!" ....Searching for last encounter with 'Joe'....Found one last week...Video loading..."Here you go bro. I'll see you in a week."..."****, I guess you did".
Also, could it scan my eyes to unlock everything I see? Like I look at my phone with the glasses/contacts on and it unlocks or I look at my car and it turns on, or my house or garage and it opens.
Also, this is just for contacts, but what can it display while my eyes are closed? Can I watch a movie? Or look at a visualizer while I listen to music?
Title: Re: Google's Quest for World Dominance
Post by: BlackNMild2k1 on February 22, 2013, 10:54:42 PM
Google Glass is back, and it's (supposedly) coming this year http://www.theverge.com/2013/2/22/4013406/i-used-google-glass-its-the-future-with-monthly-updates
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V6Tsrg_EQMw
I will definitely be more interested when they can bury it into a pair of sun/glasses so that it's not immediately noticeable that you are wearing it.
Title: Re: Google's Quest for World Dominance
Post by: TJ Spyke on February 22, 2013, 10:58:10 PM
They already look fine, but there isn't a chance in hell I would pay $1,500 for it like they are charging. $100 is pretty much the max I would pay.
Title: Re: Google's Quest for World Dominance
Post by: Oblivion on February 22, 2013, 11:22:46 PM
It's because these are custom made. Once they get a factory going and making these, they will undoubtedly go way down in price. $100 is way too little for this tech, though. The MetaWatch is $179 and does only a fraction of what GG does. I'd be willing to pay at least $500 for this tech.
Title: Re: Google's Quest for World Dominance
Post by: Stogi on February 24, 2013, 12:11:52 PM
Yeah...I signed up for it and if I get it, I'm calling Daniel Tosh to pay me to make a video destroying it.
Title: Re: Google's Quest for World Dominance
Post by: BlackNMild2k1 on January 22, 2015, 12:54:05 PM
Google Ink's a deal w/ Sprint and T-Mobile to become a wireless carrier. http://www.macrumors.com/2015/01/21/google-to-become-wireless-carrier/ (http://www.macrumors.com/2015/01/21/google-to-become-wireless-carrier/)
Quote
Google has signed deals with Sprint and T-Mobile that will allow it to sell wireless service directly to consumers, reports The Wall Street Journal, adding to a report released by The Information earlier today. The publication's sources suggest that Google's entry into the wireless service industry may be part of an effort to persuade carriers to bolster speeds and cut down on pricing. Positioning itself as a wireless carrier is also part of Google's larger effort to provide better Internet coverage across the United States.
Currently, there are four major carriers in the United States: T-Mobile, Sprint, AT&T, and Verizon, and while T-Mobile has made efforts to shake up the wireless industry with its Un-Carrier initiatives, wireless service in the United States remains much pricier than in other countries, with subscribers getting less data for more money.
Details on how Google will offer wireless service, its cost, or when it will launch are not known, but like the rollout of its Google Fiber broadband internet service, Google-branded wireless service could launch in a limited number of cities to begin with. Sprint, of Overland Park, Kan., is the third-largest wireless carrier, while T-Mobile, of Bellevue, Wash., ranks fourth. Under separate agreements with each carrier, Google will resell service on the Sprint and T-Mobile networks, according to people familiar with the plans. Such wholesale agreements are common, essentially allowing sellers such as Google to pitch wireless service under their own brand names. As it will operate as an MVNO, or mobile virtual network operator, Google will not need to build out the infrastructure for its own wireless network, instead providing T-Mobile or Sprint service that's controlled by and sold through Google. Other well-known MVNO's include Boost Mobile, FreedomPop, and Straight Talk.
This should be interesting.
Google to offer $40 unlimited everything in the near future?
Title: Re: Google's Quest for World Dominance
Post by: marvel_moviefan_2012 on January 25, 2015, 03:55:56 PM
So the Google's founders really did sell their souls to the devil.
Title: Re: Google's Quest for World Dominance
Post by: BlackNMild2k1 on February 25, 2015, 04:58:28 PM
Google bump up FREE storage for Google Plaay Music up to 50,000 songs!!! http://officialandroid.blogspot.com/2015/02/store-your-music-online-and-listen.html
Quote
You’ve joined the streaming revolution, but still have that MP3 player you take to the gym. It has your pump-up playlist, all of the Phish live concerts, and the brand new recordings from your friend’s band. Keep things simple by using Google Play Music, which gives you subscription access to 30 million songs on any device and also offers you a place to store the music collection you already own, for free.
Today we are expanding the music storage limit on Google Play. Now you can store 50,000 songs for free and stream or download them them to your phone, tablet, computer or Chromecast.
I think it's time to go load all those old CD's onto my computer and update my library. I need to get an AUX port in my car for music streamed from my phone now.
Title: Re: Google's Quest for World Dominance
Post by: BlackNMild2k1 on February 26, 2015, 09:13:52 AM
The beginning of the end is near... Google has self learning AI http://www.theguardian.com/technology/2015/feb/25/google-develops-computer-program-capable-of-learning-tasks-independently
Age of Google is upon us!?
Title: Re: Google's Quest for World Dominance
Post by: marvel_moviefan_2012 on February 26, 2015, 11:39:57 AM
so James Cameron should have called SkyNet Google then.
