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Google Inc.

5/21/2013, 7:54 PM ET

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Tuesday, May 21, 7:39 PM Amazon's (AMZN) ad ambitions pose a threat to Google (GOOG), thinks ReadWrite's Derek Brown. In addition to Amazon's vision/ambition, obsession with customer satisfaction, and willingness to forgo near-term profits, the e-commerce giant's mountains of consumer purchase data stand to give it an edge as it pushes ads on its sites, on Kindles, and through a targeted display ad network. Moreover, Amazon could provide customers/partners with "relevant online transaction activity that might follow [its ads], effectively offering a closed loop marketing environment unlike any other." Of course, Google isn't standing still either. Comment! [Tech, Consumer]
Tuesday, May 21, 2:53 PM In what could be a win for PayPal (EBAY), Google (GOOG) is shutting down Checkout in 6 months to focus its online payments efforts on Wallet. Though Google will still handle payment processing for developers selling on Google properties (Play, Chrome Web Store, Offers Marketplace), 3rd-party merchants using Checkout and lacking an internal processing solution will have to find an alternative. The announcement comes a week after Google announced several new Wallet features, including new developer APIs and an option to attach money to Gmail messages. 1 Comment [Tech]
Monday, May 20, 6:50 PM Google (GOOG) roundup: 1) YouTube's video upload rate has passed 100 hours per minute. That's up from 72 hours last year, and 48 the year before. The milestone comes as YouTube expands live streaming support, and announces plans to unify its design across devices/platforms. 2) In July, Dell (DELL) will begin selling Project Ophelia, a $100 USB flash drive-shaped device that allows any monitor with an HDMI port to be turned into an Android PC. Dell is also working on "a keyboard-like technology for users to type when Ophelia is docked to a screen." 6 Comments [Tech]
Friday, May 17, 2:28 PM Google's (GOOG +0.1%) sell-side PTs have been surging as shares continue trading above $900 following a torrent of I/O news. The I/O news demonstrates "Google remains one of the most innovative and forward thinking companies of this generation," gushes Topeka, which has raised its PT to $999. Baird's PT is now at $1,025, and Argus' at $1,065. In some respects, the mood resembles that surrounding Apple not too long ago. 17 Comments [Tech]
Thursday, May 16, 2:32 PM Google's (GOOG -0.6%) I/O news deluge isn't over. 1) Google Search's Knowledge Graph feature is being updated to include more stats and anticipate/answer follow-up questions. Echoing Ray Kurzweil's remarks, Google also plans to use natural language analysis to make results more conversational. 2) The Compute Engine and App Engine cloud infrastructure/app development services (compete against AMZN) have received updates. Compute Engine is also now open to all developers. 3) YouTube's live streaming service is now available to any channel with 1K+ subs. 4) Facebook and Twitter Glass apps are about to launch. 5) Google has bought a quantum computer, and will use it in an artificial intelligence lab it's creating with NASA. (previous) Comment! [Tech]
Thursday, May 16, 11:45 AM Facebook (FB -1.5%) is down 3.6% over the last 2 days, possibly thanks to concerns about a revamped Google+. The latest update to Google's (GOOG) oft-mocked social networking platform brings a card-based UI and (more importantly) heavy use of Google's server farms to automatically enhance/modify images and add tags and links to uploaded content. The imaging tricks include the ability to automatically create animated GIFs and HDR shots, and even adjust skin tone and contrast - some think this also poses a challenge to Adobe (ADBE). But Facebook, the 800-lb. gorilla of online photo-sharing, still has unmatched network effects, and has been willing to borrow ideas from Google+ Comment! [Tech]
Thursday, May 16, 10:25 AM eBay (EBAY -0.2%) roundup: 1) Google (GOOG) is adding the ability to attach money transfers to Gmail messages (via Google Wallet). Though unlikely to have a big impact on PayPal's merchant transactions, this move could allow Google to grab a chunk of the market for more informal online payments (particularly consumer-to-consumer), given Gmail's huge reach. 2) CTO Mark Carges recently sold 111K shares at $55.53. 3) Lazard has launched coverage with a Buy and $55 PT. Comment! [Tech, Consumer]
Wednesday, May 15, 3:08 PM The Google I/O (GOOG) news flow won't stop. 1) The rumored Google Maps overhaul is unveiled. Taking cues from the iPhone app, the sidebar has been replaced by a search box and cards. Content from an overhauled Google Earth is included, and vector maps yield better performance. An Android update is on tap; the overdue iPad app arrives this summer. 2) Google is looking to tie together Android, iOS, and Web gaming via Play Game Services, but real-time gaming is Android-only for now. 3) Google Now has been updated to include voice reminders, e-mails, and public transit data. 4) Chrome now supports voice search. 5) Larry Page takes the stage a day after disclosing he has vocal cord paralysis. (previous) (live blog) Comment! [Tech]
Wednesday, May 15, 1:53 PM More from Google I/O: 1) In a salvo aimed at Facebook, Skype, WhatsApp, and other messaging rivals, Google is tying its messaging services (Talk, Voice, etc.) into a single platform/app called Hangouts; it was previously rumored to be named Babble. 2) Google+ has been overhauled to feature a card-based design that echoes Google Now, and automatically add links/tags to uploaded content. Chances are Facebook isn't too worried for now. 3) Google tries to bolster the Chromebook's education market momentum by launching Play for Education, a custom app store for schools/students. Apple has also been aggressively targeting the education market. (live blog) 2 Comments [Tech]
Wednesday, May 15, 1:05 PM Google (GOOG +2.2%) launches All Access, its well-reported subscription music service. All Access, available today in the U.S., costs $10/month, is integrated with Google Play, and allows song selections to morph into Web radio stations. No news about a rumored YouTube music video service for now. Pandora (P -0.5%), which has weathered Spotify's attack well, is only slightly lower. Google is also announcing a Galaxy S4 with stock Android (previous) that sells for $649 unsubsidized, and states Chrome's monthly user base has topped 750M (up 300M+ Y/Y) - that's an indirect positive for Google's search share and traffic acquisition costs. (live blog) Comment! [Tech]
Wednesday, May 15, 12:36 PM 900M Android devices have been activated, up from 400M in June 2012, Google (GOOG +2.4%) brags as I/O gets underway; Eric Schmidt stated in April Android phone users will top 1B in 6-9 months. Google Play app installs have passed 48B, with 2.5B in the last month alone. The iTunes App Store, which launched earlier, is closing in on 50B; the numbers suggest Play is now seeing more downloads, though monetization still trails. Google has announced Play Game Services, its rumored Android gaming network, as well as a new developer environment and location services APIs. (live blog) Comment! [Tech]
Wednesday, May 15, 11:50 AM Google (GOOG +2.5%) and Samsung (SSNLF.PK) will use Google I/O to show off a version of the Galaxy S4 that (like Google's Nexus hardware) runs a stock version of Android, Geek.com reports. Google, which has cracked $900 for the first time today, has been working hard to promote stock Android relative to versions with custom skins such as Samsung's TouchWiz and HTC's Sense, but with limited success. Upcoming Motorola phones will reportedly run stock Android. I/O festivities start at 12PM ET (live blog). (music service reports) Comment! [Tech, On the Move]
Wednesday, May 15, 7:48 AM Google (GOOG) is reiterated a Buy with $1,000 price target at Jefferies ahead of the I/O Developers Conference kicking off today. Don't expect a repeat from last year, however, which included several key hardware launches (and the stock gaining 4% over 5 days). Instead, this year should focus on improvements to existing products and services. Shares +0.3% premarket. 4 Comments [Tech]
Tuesday, May 14, 7:53 PM Pandora (P) -3.6% AH following reports Google (GOOG) will launch subscription-based music services - a Spotify-like service, and a YouTube music video service - with at least the former service launching tomorrow. Neither appears to directly compete with Pandora's ad-supported online radio service (which thus far hasn't been hurt badly by Spotify's growth), particularly given an NYT report stating the Spotify-like service won't include a free tier. However, the YouTube service would be a unique market entry, one backed by a site with enormous reach. It would need an audio-only option to keep a lid on battery drain and mobile data usage; a WSJ report suggests Google is looking to offer one. 6 Comments [Tech, On the Move]
Tuesday, May 14, 6:57 PM Google's (GOOG) Spotify-like music streaming service (first reported in Feb.) will launch tomorrow at Google I/O, the WSJ and The Verge report. The Verge also states a YouTube music video service (ad-free?) is on tap. Deals with top-3 studios Universal, Sony, and Warner Music have reportedly been signed. No details yet on pricing for the services, which will enter a very crowded online music landscape. The YouTube service could have an easier road to success, given the site already produces a tremendous amount of music video traffic. 1 Comment [Tech]
Tuesday, May 14, 5:17 PM Larry Page (GOOG) discloses vocal cord paralysis was the medical ailment that sidelined him from several Google major events last year. Page insists he's "fully able to do all I need to at home and at work" following "some initial recovery." "And Sergey says I’m probably a better CEO because I choose my words more carefully." 1 Comment [Tech]

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