Google

Definition

Google is a multinational technology company that specializes in Internet-related services and products, including a popular search engine, online advertising technologies, cloud computing, software, and hardware. It has revolutionized how people access information and communicate, especially with the rise of mobile technologies that facilitate internet access on the go.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Google was founded in 1998 by Larry Page and Sergey Brin while they were Ph.D. students at Stanford University.
2. The company's search engine is the most widely used globally, handling over 3.5 billion searches per day.
3. In 2004, Google went public with an initial public offering (IPO) that raised $1.67 billion, significantly increasing its resources for further innovation.
4. Google's acquisition of Android Inc. in 2005 helped to establish Android as the leading mobile operating system worldwide.
5. Google's influence extends beyond search; it has expanded into various fields including artificial intelligence, autonomous vehicles (with Waymo), and smart home devices (with Nest).

Review Questions

• How has Google's search engine influenced the way users access information through mobile technologies?
  • Google's search engine has fundamentally changed how users find information by providing instant access to vast amounts of data via simple keyword searches. With the rise of mobile technologies, Google optimized its search engine for smartphones and tablets, allowing users to access information anytime and anywhere. This convenience has led to a shift in information-seeking behavior, making it easier for users to obtain answers quickly and fostering a culture of immediate gratification in information consumption.
• Discuss the impact of Google's acquisition of Android on the mobile technology landscape.
  • Google's acquisition of Android Inc. significantly transformed the mobile technology landscape by establishing Android as a dominant operating system for smartphones and tablets. This move encouraged a diverse range of manufacturers to create devices running on Android, leading to widespread adoption and a competitive market. As a result, Android's open-source nature allowed for extensive customization and innovation among developers, facilitating an ecosystem of applications that enriched user experiences and accelerated the growth of mobile internet usage.
• Evaluate the role of Google in shaping the future of cloud computing and its implications for mobile technologies.
  • Google plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of cloud computing through its development of services like Google Drive and Google Cloud Platform. By offering scalable storage solutions and powerful computing resources via the cloud, Google enables seamless integration of mobile technologies with data access and application functionality. This shift towards cloud-based services enhances mobile user experiences by allowing access to files and applications from any device with internet connectivity, fostering collaboration and flexibility in both personal and professional contexts.

Related terms

Search Engine: A program that helps users find information on the Internet by retrieving data based on keywords or phrases entered by the user.

Android: An operating system developed by Google for mobile devices, enabling them to run applications and provide a user-friendly interface.

Cloud Computing: The delivery of computing services over the Internet, allowing for on-demand access to storage, processing power, and applications without direct active management by the user.