When HBO (kind of) cut the cord and announced it would finally launch a long-awaited standalone streaming service earlier this year, many Android users were left on the sidelines as it was revealed that HBO Now would start as an Apple exclusive. Now those once disconnected consumers can rejoice (if they so choose) because the service will soon be available on Google devices and Chromecast. [More]
Soon You’ll Be Able To Easily Buy The Stuff Showcased In Ads Played Before YouTube Videos
By 5.22.15
Have you ever sat through an advertisement before being able to watch that super cool, totally in-the-moment viral video on YouTube, and thought “Man, I really need that [insert random item you probably don’t need]?” No? Okay, but in case that ever is you, Google wants to ensure it’s as easy as possible for you to make a purchase right then and there. [More]
YouTube Kids Accused Of Running Beer Ads, Crotch-Grabbing Lessons, Wine-Tasting Tips
By 5.19.15
Since Google launched the YouTube Kids app in February, the service has come under fire from consumer advocates for its advertising practices. Now, instead of focusing on the commercials shown through the service, several of those same groups are raising concerns with federal regulators over what they call disturbing and potentially harmful content for young children to view. [More]
Google Reportedly Adding Buy Button To Sponsored Mobile Search Results
By 5.18.15
Searching for and buying a product with your smartphone is about to get a bit easier. Google is reportedly just weeks away from adding a “buy” button to mobile search results, a move that will increase the company’s rivalry with other online marketplaces such as eBay and Amazon. [More]
Google’s Newest Self-Driving Cars Set To Hit Public Roads This Summer
By 5.15.15
While drivers in Mountain View, CA may already be familiar with the sight of Google’s self-driving Lexus SUVs tooling around without being steered by a person, a new set of driverless prototypes will soon be joining them on public roads come this summer. [More]
Google Temporarily Shutting Down Editing In Map Maker After Incident With Urinating Robot
By 5.11.15
After issuing a mea culpa over the image of an Android bot urinating on an Apple logo that popped up in Google Maps a few weeks ago, the company now it’ll be temporarily shutting down editing on Map Maker so it can deal with the problem of abuse. [More]
Google’s Self-Driving Cars Involved In Minor Accidents
By 5.11.15
Google, one of a handful of companies with permits to test self-driving vehicles in California, has 23 such cars roaming the streets there. But in just the few months since obtaining those permits, three of those Google vehicles have been involved in traffic accidents. [More]
You Can Now Order Food Delivery Through Google Search Results On Your Phone
By 5.8.15
An empty belly and no desire to cook is no problem in an age of instant, Internet-fueled gratification, and now Google is taking another step out of the occasion. Anyone searching for food or restaurants nearby for delivery or takeout using the search engine on their phone will now see an option to “Place an order” next to some results. [More]
“Injected Ads” Are An Annoying Security Risk Affecting Millions Of Internet Users
By 5.6.15
Legitimate advertising is an annoyance that most of us tolerate and do our best to ignore. But there are more pernicious forms of advertising that aren’t just a nuisance but actually pose a potential security risk, like the “injected ads” that find your way into your web browser through software and extensions. [More]
More Google Searches Are Done On Mobile Devices Than PCs For First Time
By 5.5.15
In the beginning, a person with a question that needed to be answered would shout, “To the Google!” and that would most often mean sitting in front of a desktop computer or opening a laptop. Not so, anymore: For the first time, U.S. Googlers are Googling more on mobile devices than personal computers. [More]
Google Launches New Tool To Protect Consumers’ Password Security
By 4.29.15
Sometimes cyber criminals do such a good job camouflaging their ploys to steal consumers’ personal information that you might not recognize that the site you just entered your password on isn’t a legitimate login page. In an effort to combat such ruses, Google has created a new tool for its Chrome browser that aims to ensure users’ passwords don’t end up in the hands of ne’er do wells. [More]
Google Apologizes For Android Figure Urinating On Apple Logo In Google Maps
By 4.24.15
Unlike The Dude,* it would appear that every time an Android figure is pictured micturating upon an Apple logo, someone does have to be held responsible. In this case, it’s Google, which is apologizing after an image of an Android bot peeing on an Apple logo popped up in Google Maps. [More]
Eyewear Maker Luxottica Says The New Version Of Google Glass Is On Its Way
By 4.24.15
For those who didn’t get a chance/didn’t want to jump on the Google Glass bandwagon the first time it rolled around, with its oft-maligned design that allows people to record everything they’re seeing (including people who might not want to be filmed), you’ll soon have the opportunity to get/make fun of/criticize a new version soon. [More]
Google Could Announce New Wireless Service Today; May Only Charge For Data You Use
By 4.22.15
In March, Google confirmed its plan to launch some sort of wireless service for consumers in the U.S., and a new report claims that the Internet biggie could pull back the curtain on this new product as early as today. [More]
You Can Now Google “Find My Phone” To Locate Your Lost Android Device
By 4.16.15
A new update to the Google app on Android devices now allows users to merely Google “find my phone” and get not just the location of the device, but also the ability to remotely lock it or erase it. [More]
Google Wants To Use Your E-Mail Address To Provide Targeted Advertising
By 4.15.15
If you’re a Gmail user, or one of the millions of workers whose employer now uses Gmail as their email platform, you could soon be seeing new ads targeted directly at you in your Google search results. [More]
Google, Bing To Block Search Result Ads For Unlicensed Payday Lenders In California
By 4.8.15
Government officials in California found a few unlikely allies when it comes to ensuring online payday lenders aren’t illegally advertising their services to residents online: The nation’s top search engine providers. [More]
YouTube Kids App Accused Of Deceptive, Excessive Advertising
By 4.7.15
It’s only been a few weeks since Google launched its YouTube Kids app targeted at the youngest Internet users, and it’s already taking heat from consumer advocates who are asking federal regulators to investigate whether the service’s advertising practices run afoul of the law. [More]
