Google Inc. is an international technology company that deals in internet search and advertising. The core of Googles revenues lies within advertizing, from programs such as Google AdWords and Google AdSense. In 2003, 97 percent of Googles revenue was attributed towards advertizing, in which AdWords and AdSense made up 56 percent and 44 percent respectively (IMD, 2003). The AdWords feature allows advertisers to pay every time their link is clicked, while AdSense allows websites on the Google network to host links to AdWords advertisers and share the revenues with the (exhibit 3).
Although the search engine feature is notably web giants most successful program, Google has developed new products and services, acquired small technology companies or partnered with them in an effort to expand its revenue base.
Strategic threats to Google
The search engine industry does not have any long run entry barriers, which means new or established internet companies can enter the domain, thereby creating competition for Google. Internet portals such as yahoo and MSN offer more products and services than Googles search engine. Like Google, MSN and Yahoo both provide links to other sites, but go a step further by displaying more information and solutions. This feature could attract more internet users, which might lead to a decrease in market share for Google. Googles strategic alliance with portals, such as AOL, T-Online and LA Times (exhibit 3), may cause a significant lose in revenue if the contracts were to come to be terminated.
Costs and benefits of going public
Advantages
The main advantage of going public, especially for start-ups and small companies, is the provision of the large amount capital, which could be used to facilitate expansion and growth, or even pay off debts. The capital comes at a low cost, since no interest is required to repay the investors, and the amount raised need not be refunded back to investors, unless there is a case of liquidation or bankruptcy. Another monetary advantage is the capital gains made by the founders of the company, in case they decide to sell a proportion of their holdings. The company will also be able to source for more equity at lower costs in the future, through the use of rights issues (Draho 2004).
A company going public will be in a better position to assess its value since share prices reflect the financial soundness of the company. Consequently, it will be easier for a public company to use stock-for-stock options in acquisition practices, than a private company. Non-monetary benefits can also be derived, such as the publicity the company gets in the market due to the IPO, which could help the company increase its market share. The company will also be in a better position to attract and retain qualified staff and management, due to its increased size.
Disadvantages
Several disadvantages can be experienced by companies that go public, such as disclosure requirements. Its compulsory for public companies to publish their financial statements for the public, quarterly and annual results, as well as details of the companys directors. Companies are also required by law to allow for auditing, which comes at a cost, a feature that is not binding for private companies.
There is added pressure from the market for the company to report profits in its financial statements, which may influence management to act in ways that ensure short term profitability, rather than long term goals. The decision making process becomes slower, since important decisions require approval from the board of directors. The floatation process is quite costly, since investment bankers charge high fees, usually expressed as a proportion of the proceeds.
IPO under-pricing cost to Google
Googles shares closed higher in the stock exchange market as compared with the IPO price of $85, thereby causing Google to leave money on the table .
Role of banks in IPOs
Investment banks assist companies in stock floatation, a process termed as underwriting. Underwriters evaluate a companys financial records, and present market conditions, so as to help determine the final price and number of shares to be issued. Investment banks buy the shares of the issuing company before it goes public, and distribute them on the IPO date in the stock exchange (Brigham & Ehrhardt 2008). The issuing corporation receives the proceeds after the sale of the stock. Underwriters also assist the issuing company in preparing a preliminary prospectus for the company. Of late, these banks have diverged from their traditional roles by seeking to stabilize the share prices in the secondary market, and providing analyst coverage.
How banks make their money
Investment banks receive an underwriting fee from the assistance they provide in the issuance of new securities. The fee is usually expressed as a percentage or gross spread, that is, the difference in price the syndicate has bought the new securities at, and the price the price offered to investors in the market. Underwriters can also be remunerated with a combination of shares and options to buy shares, in addition to a smaller spread (Sharpe, Alexander & Bailey 2008).
Risks to Google and the investment bank for an under-pricing
In the event of an under-pricing, both Google and members of the syndicate risk losing out on money they could have attained had they set a higher price. Google loses potential capital, while the investment bank loses potential revenues, had the shares been sold closer to their value.
Risks due to an overpricing
The major risk surrounding overpricing of new shares is the prospective liability towards shareholders. Overpriced shares result into a decline in prices in the aftermarket. Investment banks who offer a firm commitment bear all the risk, and may end up with unsold securities if the public is not willing to purchase them at such a cost.
Comparison
Both overpriced and under-priced IPOs have disadvantages, but overpriced IPOs are more risky since the underwriters may experience loss if the prices of the unsold stock sell lower than the IPO price. Consequently, the issuing companys marketability in the stock market and value could be lost. Investors will be attracted to shares they feel are under-priced, so the only loss made to the underwriters and issuing company is an opportunity cost.
Threat to investment banks by Google IPO process
Google, having chosen to conduct its IPO through a Dutch auction, rather than the conventional book building exercise, gave the lead investment banks; Morgan Stanley and Credit Suisse First Bottom (CSFB), less control in the pricing decision. A decreased role for the underwriters meant that Google could pay fewer fees for the exercise. The lead underwriters in Googles IPO received 2.75 percent fees, compared with the US average underwriter fees of 7 percent (exhibit 14) in that particular period.
Can companies time the capital market?
Companies can analyze the mood in the market before they decide to issue new securities. This can be done by considering past IPOs, in a move to assess the behavior of investors in the market. The countrys economy should also be evaluated; the company will attain more success if it issues an IPO in a period of boom rather than in a recession.
Can investors time the market?
Investors can time the primary market if they feel that the stock price of a particular company is undervalued. In the secondary market, investors can use fundamental and technical analysis to assess the current or future share price and act accordingly, while considering all potential risks.
Expectations on Google IPO in the long term
A duo share structure, such as the one used by Google, protects the company from the need to achieve short-term financial targets, which can be damaging to the long-term objectives. From a long-term perspective therefore, Googles shares are expected to perform positively, if the example set by Berkshire Hathaway is anything way to go by.
Pricing processes-fixed price, auction and Dutch auction
In a fixed price process, the issuing company and its underwriters settle on a specific price for the new stock. Investors willing to purchase the stock will do so at the determined price, hence there is a degree of certainty for both the investors, and the issuing party.
For an auction pricing system, the internet is used to open up the number of potential buyers willing to purchase the stock. A reserve price is set, though investors bid for the price and number of shares they are willing to purchase. A Dutch auction sets a higher price target than an auction format. Investors bid with their respective prices, and the number of shares they want to purchase. The price settled at is the highest possible price at which the total number of shares offered can be issued. The price investors pay is the last successful bid.
Dutch auction in terms of governance
The Dutch auction process reduces the role investment banks play in the IPO. Traditionally, banks contributed by setting a price, and were also involved in the share allotment to favored investors or clients. The Dutch system, on the other hand, opens up the opportunity to even small retail investors. The Dutch auction system therefore gave Google the final decision regarding the IPO price, size of issue, and the allocation of shares. (IMD International Institute for Management Development 2004).
References:
Brigham, E. F. & Ehrhardt, M. C. (2008). Financial management: theory and practice. 12th ed. Boston, MA: Cengage Learning.
Draho, J. (2004). The IPO decision: why and how companies go public. Northampton, MA: Edward Elgar Publishing.
IMD International Institute for Management Development. (2004). Google Case Study Preparing for the Google IPO: A revolution in the making? Lausanne, Switzerland.
Sharpe, W. F., Alexander, G. J., & Bailey J. V. (2008). Investments. 6th ed. New Delhi: Prentice-Hall.
Web 2.0 provides the modern business makers with multiple opportunities to boost their popularity and income. Google AdSense is one of the programs that exist due to the introduction of Web 2.0. It is used by various businesses and may benefit a restaurant in a variety of ways if it is applied appropriately and used professionally.
Introduction
In the cotemporary world the technologies have successfully penetrated every sphere of peoples lives. The introduction of Web 2.0 has provided the marketers and business makers with a variety of opportunities to increase their income, strengthen brand image, promote their services or products, raise awareness and gain publicity.
Google AdSense, has appeared along with a variety of other networks and software types designed to engage the users into the active generation and exchange of content (UGC) and, at the same time, exploit the content generation as a profitable and creative way to build up a business.
AdSense is available to anyone, it can be used by the companies or separate individuals. In fact, Web 2.0 and the tools it provides are currently employed by a variety of businesses that realise that to remain at the top of their game and to outrun the competitors they are to innovate and adopt the latest trends (Kroenke, Gemino, & Tingling, 2013). Restaurant business is no exception, and just like any other kind of business it requires advertising, promotion, reputation, and publicity which can be achieved with the help tools such as AdSense.
This paper attempts to explain how AdSense can be beneficial for the restaurant business and help it gain more customers and create additional income. This topic was chosen because restaurant business (and food industry in general) is one of the most competitive spheres as it develops fast and is very busy. Tight competition within this industry requires the businesses to take responsible measures to remain more demanded than their rivals.
Research
Web 2.0 for Business
Discussing Web 2.0, Treese (2006) notices that the hype around the technologies and their use in business has a cyclic nature as it comes and goes over certain periods of time. The author describes Web 2.0 as another wave of the popularity of the technologies as a business tool that is characterised by interactivity and social networking as its main features (Treese, 2006).
Web 2.0 is a technology of opportunities that is extremely popular due to its flexibility and versatility. The services such as blogs, social networking, wikis, video and photo sharing platforms that initially were designed for communication between the independent individuals are now widely used for the interactions between the businesses and their clients (Solomon & Schrum, 2007).
The technology spending of Web 2.0 has been demonstrating rapid growth within the last decade, for instance between 2008 and 2013 it was projected to reach 4.6 billion dollars (Weil, 2008).
Google AdSense
The program called AdSense was first launched in 2003 by Google. This products serves for the online advertising and initially it included only text and image based commercial information, but over years the product has undergone multiple waves of evolution eventually turning into video and media based advertising (Google AdSense Turns Eight Today!, 2011).
This product has made a significant positive impact on a large number of online publishers providing them with enough income to pay bills or afford monthly rent. According to the statement of the Googles vice president of product management Neil Mohan, AdSense for content publishers paid out a 68% revenue share worldwide, meaning the company pays website owners 68% of the revenue advertisers spend on the site (Hendric, 2010, para. 1).
The income split has been following these proportions ever since Ad Sense was first released. Basically, Google AdSense can be found anywhere in the internet in the form of online advertisements placed at the busiest content sharing websites. This allows the publishers to turn their content into revenue.
The income received through AdSense can be generated when the viewers click on the advertisement, or based on the created impression. Lawlor (2008) emphasises that AdSense just like all the other Web 2.0 tools can make a big positive difference for the companies in terms of profit and benefits when properly selected and applied judiciously.
Advantages of Google AdSense
AdSense for Personal Content Placement
AdSense can be employed by a restaurant for the placement of their advertisement at the websites with the highest user activity in order to promote their services and create better reputation and brand awareness. Moreover, AdSense is mobile-friendly which maximizes the number of users who are capable to bring profit to the owner of the advertisement (Google AdSense Turns Eight Today!, 2011). This way visiting various social networks the users will see the banners or interactive advertisements of the restaurant.
AdSense for Collaboration with other Businesses
AdSense program allows one increase the revenue of their website. Having a personal website is rather important for any restaurant to introduce their potential and regular customers with the menus, new items, discount programs, and services. A website will gain higher user traffic if it regularly posts new content and engages its clients into various interactions. A popular website will be an attractive place for the advertisements of other businesses through AdSense.
As a result, a restaurant will create a win-win situation placing content of other companies their customers might be interested in this helps to earn money for advertising, and to increase the traffic on the website. Besides, Google pays a referral bonus to the publishers who bring in more clients (Google AdSense Turns Eight Today!, 2011).
Disadvantages of Google AdSense
Along with the benefits, Google AdSense carries some disadvantages. First of all, the level of income a user may gain from the program depends on the advertisement owners paying capacity and willingness to invest. In some cases, the revenue may be rather low (especially if a website is not visited by many people). Moreover, there is a payment threshold for AdSense users (100 dollars is the minimum amount of money that a user can withdraw), so one may have to wait a while to be able to receive their money earned via AdSense (Hendrik, 2010).
Secondly, becoming a participant of Google Adsense is now more difficult than before as Google modified the rules to follow the users carefully (Google AdSense Turns Eight Today!, 2011).
Finally, the publishers who employ AdSense often struggle with the program since Google does not provide any fast and interactive technical support for them (Google AdSense Turns Eight Today!, 2011).
It is also important to mention the aesthetic side of the question because the presence of multiple advertisements and banners on a website may be distracting and aesthetically displeasing to the users. Besides, it may negatively impact the design of a website since most advertisements employ bright colours and attractive pictures that may clash with the overall context or colour scheme of the host website.
Conclusion
The most beneficial ways to use AdSense for a restaurant include the placement of their own advertisements on other websites to attract new clients, and the placement of other businesses advertisements on their own website to earn additional income and facilitate a busier traffic. Preferably, the information of the other companies placed on the restaurants website should be interesting for the typical visitors and be adjusted to match the overall design of the website.
Currently Google is the most popular company in the internet business. This is attributable to its convenience as a search engine. In addition, in part, its popularity is as a result of its acquisition of YouTube. Through this acquisition, Google has been able to dominate the section of internet videos and completely stifle any pre-existing competition.
Initially seen as a time bomb, the acquisition of YouTube has proved to be among the best deals that Google has ever entered into. This occurs because YouTube has been instrumental in cementing Googles position as the leading search engine in the internet, not only in textual searches but also, and importantly so, in video searches (Cool, K. et al. 2010).
YouTubes Approach
For a company whose initial offices have been in a garage, YouTube is doing exceptionally well 6 years down the line. Obviously this happens because it resulted out of the will or desire to solve an existing need that previously had no solution (YouTube, 2011). Its primary inceptors had trouble of sharing videos online personally and this pushed its creativity.
The three (Steve Chen, Chad Hurley and Jawed Karim) addressed a problem that was being experienced by the majority of Americans at that time and continued to provide even more options to solve the problem (Cool et al. 2010).
Less than one calendar year later YouTube was ranked among the top most popular websites in the world and had indications of even growing further and faster. It quickly captured a 60% market share of all videos viewed online. Its impact in America was immense while it was this young. Americans viewed hundreds of millions of videos through it on a daily basis (Cool et al. 2010).
Its widespread success is attributable to word of mouth style of marketing due to its unique nature of its services that more and more customers pour into its site day in day out. The fact that users could upload and share their videos was a new trend that kept customers glued to YouTube according to YouTube (2011).
YouTube also had a wide range of products and services ranging from music videos, movie trailers, news clips to homemade videos. This in return provided options that were perceivably impossible initially. As a result, YouTube experienced widespread customer loyalty and attracted the attention of other major players in the industry. One year later, Google purchased YouTube for 1.65 billion dollars (Cool et al. 2010).
Google Video Approach
Google video started as a search for videos but it did not provide the real videos. It only provided information such as text snippets and still images plus other textual information. Later on, Google video began accepting user-generated videos. Initially it also concentrated on uploading TV shows, but the idea was later dropped to concentrate on user-generated videos. It tried to introduce means of payment where users would pay for premium videos (Cool et al. 2010).
Despite all its efforts Google only managed to capture a meager 8% of online video market as compared to YouTubes share of 27%. This prompted Google to strive for acquiring YouTube, which later was bought. After the acquisition, Google tried to operate Google video as a separate entity alongside YouTube.
However, it did not succeed as most of its results were tied to YouTube (Google Video, 2011). Less than one calendar year after the acquisition of YouTube, Google closed down Google video and concentrated on bettering YouTube. The failure of Google video is attributable to its initial lack of a way to view actual videos and finally Googles acquisition of YouTube (Cool et al. 2010).
The merger of Google and YouTube boosted YouTubes popularity across the globe and attracted both positive and negative sentiments especially in the area of the legality of the videos uploaded on YouTube (Google Video, 2011). However, as it turned out, Google was adequately prepared to deal with such problems. Google had set aside a hefty amount of money to deal with the potential legal problems. It entered into agreement with other major customers to allow YouTube to upload their videos and as a result share out on the proceeds (Cool et al. 2010).
Disclaimer
YouTube also had a wide range of products and services ranging from music videos, movie trailers, news clips to homemade videos. This in return provided options that were perceivably impossible initially. As a result, YouTube experienced widespread customer loyalty and attracted the attention of other major players in the industry. Its presence on the market makes the process of entering hard for all the other prospective entrants (Cool, K. et al. 2010).
Conclusion
YouTube was instrumental to the eventual success of Google. The merger of Google and YouTube boosted YouTubes popularity across the globe and attracted both positive and negative sentiments, especially in the area of the legality of the videos uploaded on YouTube. Currently Google is the most popular company in the internet business. This is attributable to its convenience as a search engine. In addition, in part, its popularity is as a result of its acquisition of YouTube (Cool, K. et al. 2010).
References
Cool, K. et al. (2010). YouTube, Google, and the Rise of Internet Video. USA: Kellogg School of Management, Northwestern University.
Cloud computing may be regarded as a system made up of interconnected computers delivered as a single or unified computing resource. Normally, the delivery of services is in line with an agreement established between a service provider and a client.
While some providers of cloud computing services are mainly concerned with storage services, others have different offerings besides simple data storage. Google Drive, for example, permits simultaneous access to Google Apps using word processors, spreadsheets, or presentation software. SkyDrive offers services similar to Google Drive. This paper briefly compares cloud computing and cloud storage and goes on to discuss cloud computing services offered by Salesforce, Google, and Microsoft.
Cloud Computing vs Cloud Storage
The most obvious difference between cloud computing and cloud storage has to do with the fact that cloud storage only supports data storage on the cloud. On the other hand, cloud computing allows clients to use different applications besides offering storage services.
Salesforce
With its customer relationship management product, Salesforce is viewed as a market leader under the SaaS category of cloud computing services. One of the customer relationship management products delivered by Salesforce is the sales cloud which is mainly concerned with the sell of products and services to clients. Another common customer relationship management product is the data cloud. Unlike the sales cloud, the data cloud is concerned with the provision of data-related services to customers.
Under the PaaS category of cloud computing services, the company offers its customers with a development platform commonly referred to as force.com which is made up of a working engine, a database, and design tools for creating a user interface.
Google
Google offers a number of cloud-based services to its customers. Presently, the company does not offer any IaaS cloud computing services. The services provided by the company under the SaaS class include email services, Google docs, Google calendar, Google groups, and Picasa.
Under the PaaS category, Google presents its clients with the Google App Engine, a development platform hosted by Google cloud. According to Chee and Franklin (2010), Google App Engine allows users to comfortably run web-based applications on the infrastructure provided by the Google Company. By and large, Google App Engine applications are easy to develop, manage, and upgrade.
Microsoft
Like its competitors, Microsoft offers a number of cloud computing services. Under the SaaS category, for example, customers are able to access email programs such as Windows Live Hotmail which was initially known as Hotmail. Other SaaS products provided by Microsoft include Microsoft Exchange Online, Microsoft Office Communications Online, Microsoft SharePoint Online, and Microsoft Live Meeting. Under the PaaS category, Microsoft provides Microsoft Azure.
Microsoft Azure presents users with a platform that can be used for development work. According to Chee and Franklin (2010), Microsofts Azure is considered to be part of a multifaceted cloud computing solution that is rapidly gaining popularity in the cloud computing market. Microsoft Azure is made up of three key parts, namely, Windows Azure, SQL Azure, and.Net services. While Windows Azure provides a scalable environment with capabilities such as storage and hosting, SQL Azure is a relational database for the cloud.
Also available among Microsofts cloud computing services is App Fabric which provides network services for the cloud. Microsofts NaaS services are designed to enable clients to access on-demand network services. NaaS services provided Microsoft comprise of virtual private networks (VPN) and mobile virtual network operator (MVNO).
Reference
Chee, B. & Franklin, C. (2010). Cloud Computing: Technologies and Strategies of the Ubiquitous Data Center. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press.
This usability test was conducted on the document titled How to Create a Spreadsheet in Google Docs and its aim was to find out how user-friendly the guide was. The major finding of the test was that the guide was not comprehensive enough to adequately fulfill the function it was designed for. The primary reason for conducting this study was to find out how relevant the guide was in the process of creating a spreadsheet for a walkathon. By following the guide, the user should have been in a position to create a three-column document, with some rows bearing drop-down selection options.
The candidate that was selected for the test was a college student, who had prior experience with Microsoft Excel. The subject had used Google Docs before but only for sharing Microsoft Word Documents. For this test, the subject was given the guide and asked to follow its direction and create a three-column Microsoft Excel document for recording the details of participants in a walking event. One of the columns was to carry the walkers name, while the second was for recording the amount the walker raised, and the third to fill in the organization with which the walker was affiliated. The Organization column was to use in-cell dropdowns for better editing control and processing.
The subject was observed as he prepared the document and the amount of time taken between one step and the next noted down. Interviews with the candidate were also be conducted at each step of the exercise to determine how easy it was for him to complete the action.
Discuss the findings of your usability test
The document titled How to Create a Spreadsheet in Google Docs was meant to be a guide for individuals who do not have prior experience with the google spreadsheet software. However, the first two steps assumed that the user of the document had already been exposed to Google Docs.
Among the critical steps that were ignored, was how to get to the Google Docs option from Gmail and how to identify the spreadsheet option. The other weakness of the guide was in the third step where it was requiring the user to select the Data validation command . This directive left the test candidate fumbling because it did not explain how to get to the option.
Finally, the guide required the user to save the work after completion, disregarding the fact that the spreadsheet did not come with a save option. The candidate spent a whole minute on this task because he was looking for a saving option, as would have been the case in Microsoft Excel. It is only upon performing a search on Google that he was able to notice that the document was getting saved automatically.
Create a new usability test plan using the attached How to Create a Spreadsheet in Google Docs based on your findings (above)
You are going to use Google Docs to create a spreadsheet for a walkathon. You will create three columns: one for the walkers name, one for the amount the walker raised, and one for the organization with which the walker is affiliated. The Organization column will use in-cell dropdowns for better editing control and processing:
In-cell dropdowns make inputting data easier by reducing typing errors. A set of predetermined values allow for editing control and better processing ability. Your spreadsheet can decide if you want to validate a range or a set of values.
Sign in to your Gmail account.
On the top right, click on the square icon that is made up of nine small squares.
From the options, select Drive.
Inside the Drive, you will see a drop-down option titled My Drive at the top left. It is the second item in the second row on the page, from the left.
From the My Drive option select Google Sheets.
A new spreadsheet will be created and it will have the names Untitled Spreadsheet at the top.
Double click on the name and type in any name you want, then click Enter.
Now go to the first row in the first column and title it Walkers Name.
Title the second and third columns Amount Raised and Organization , respectively.
Go to the third column, place your cursor in the first row, and double click in the box.
A drop-down list will present and from it choose the Data Validation command.
The Cell Range should display for you, and should be Sheet1!C: C. (The sheet number might be different.)
The Criteria should be Items from a List.
Select Enter List Items and enter the names of the sponsors (i.e., organizations).
Return to your spreadsheet and enter three different walkers and three different amounts, and choose their organizations.
Reopen the third columns Data Validation and enter Help Text that says: Choose the walkers organization and then return to the spreadsheet where you can enter the fourth walker and choose the organization and see how the help text helps prompt you.
Enter a fifth walker and for the organization type Pancake House ; note that it lets you do this.
Reopen the third columns Data Validation and unselect Allow Invalid Data, But Show Warning.
Return to your spreadsheet and add a sixth walker. Specify an Organization Type of Pancake House ; now it will not let you because you have been prohibited from entering invalid data. This will let spreadsheet users sort by organization more accurately.
The spreadsheet is automatically saved with each change and you can exit the window once you are done with the process.
Justify how your revisions improve the instructions based on your findings from the usability test
The changes implemented on the page were arrived at after it became clear that various elements of clarity had been disregarded in the first design. When creating a guide for a technical product, it is imperative that the creator ensures that individuals who have no prior experience with the product can use it to accomplish desired tasks (Gabrielle & Kellerman, 2014; Kumar, 2014; Namita, 2012; Anbuvelan, 2007, Lil 2005; Gallager, 2008).
It is for this reason that the first six items in the revised guide are tailored to help novices access the software. The 11th item in the revised guide provides a detail that had been omitted in the original manual, and without which the user could not proceed to the next step.
Accessing the Data validation command was an important part of the guide and it was necessary that the user was explicitly shown how to access it.
Reference List
Anbuvelan, K. (2007). Principles of Management. New York, USA: Firewall Media.
Gabrielle, K., & Kellerman, E. (2014). Communication Strategies: Psycholinguistic and Sociolinguistic Perspectives. Abingdon, England: Routledge.
Gallager, R. (2008). Principles of Digital Communication. Cambridge, UK: Cambridge University Press.
Kumar, A. (2014). A textbook of security. Mumbai, India: Goyal Brothers Prakashan.
Lil, R. (2005). Technical Communication. Ontario, Canada: Thomson/Nelson.
Namita, K. (2012). Industrial Economics and Telecommunication Regulations. Mumbai, India: PHI Learning Pvt. Ltd.
A self-driving car or an autonomous vehicle refers to an automobile with unique capabilities such as sensing its surroundings and navigating in a safe manner with minimal or no human input. Its design comprises devices such as GPS, radar, sonar, and inertial measurement units that help in sensing the environment (Fallon, 2018). It is also installed with advanced control systems that capture and interpret information, which allows for navigation through paths, evading obstacles, and signage among others. Google started this project in 2009, with the aim of realizing the dream of autonomous driving. In 2016, Waymo, an American autonomous driving technology company, became a subsidiary of Alphabet Inc, the parent company of Google. This eventually led to Googles self-driving project becoming Waymo.
Since this development, the company has engaged a lot in public participation, where the public is often invited to join in public trials of autonomous vehicles operated by Waymo drivers (Fallon, 2018). In 2020, Waymo became the first company to introduce a fist autonomous vehicle on public roads. One of the most notable elements about this concept is the sensational promotion that has happened over the years. This is evident in the number of technology companies that have offered their support. Tesla is one of the companies that have shown great support and faith in this concept to the extent of offering private vehicle owners subscription-based full self-driving experience in 2021.
This feasible technology is definitely bound to have a constructive impact with regard to the way people move from one point to another. Among the revolutionary changes that are likely to be witnessed due to the impact of this technology, include increased safety on the roads, low transportation costs, and reduced use of fossil fuels among others. The number of accidents resulting from human errors and irresponsible behaviors such as drunk driving will be greatly reduced (Bailey, 2014).
It would be a safe option to replace human-driven cars with self-drive cars as a way of improving safety on the roads and reducing the cost of providing health services to accident victims. Another positive impact that this technology will have is increased productivity across all sectors of the economy. This benefit will be necessitated by the fact that people will be able to utilize their time while commuting to do different things. However, the adoption of this revolutionary technology is bound to have some negative impacts across the spectrum. First, various car-related enterprises and automakers are likely to lose a lot of revenue.
This will greatly affect businesses that will not adjust fast enough to the dynamics of this technology. Software developers will most likely make the most out of this development, with numerous opportunities, as even the existing automakers will find the need to start a new production line to meet the emerging needs (Fallon, 2018). Dealers, insurers, and suppliers will experience reduced sales, as more people will be shifting towards more economical and safer options. Additionally, the government will also lose revenue they usually get from taxes and licensing fees.
The self-driving car technology has been received well by the public. However, it has attracted a number of social and ethical issues arising from its design and conflict of interest. One of the notable ethical issues is the challenging car design that needs to balance the safety concerns of both the passengers and pedestrians or cyclists (Bailey, 2014). For example, most self-driving cars are confounded by harsh weather conditions such as rainfall, which interferes with its sensors. Snowy weather also affects self-drive cars because it makes it hard to read any markings on the road. Additionally, users have raised safety concerns that are likely to develop due to the vulnerability of software to hacking, which can easily compromise its functionality.
Google Fiber
Google fiber refers to a fiber optic-based broadband internet service that was introduced in 2010. From a technological aspect, it is designed to offer users three major elements, namely high-speed internet connectivity, internet protocol television, and smart television (Johnson, 2020). To date, Google fiber services are accessible in eighteen locations across the United States. The most notable and exciting feature of this technology is speed. Google fiber offers internet speeds of 1000 Mbps that is faster compared to other internet providers. Its users have a better experience when it comes to downloads and uploads.
The challenge of the internet slowing down when many people are connected at the same time is common among broadband internet services of which Google fiber is not an exception. However, the good thing about Google fiber is the fact that its bandwidth is built to support internet speeds as high as 1000 Mbps (Levin & Downes, 2018). This means that the bandwidth of one use is less likely to be affected by the activity of other uses within the same location. Another attractive feature of this technology is the value for money with regard to the prices paid for both the internet and cable television (Johnson, 2020). The pricing is billed monthly and it is all-inclusive.
Since its introduction, Google fiber has had a significant impact on society in terms of empowering telecommunication companies to improve their infrastructure for better service delivery. Higher internet speeds have made it easy for people to do video conferencing in High Definition (HD). For people who love streaming videos on social networking sites, Google fiber has addressed the challenge of buffering because the internet speeds are reasonably high.
The same applies for cloud gaming enthusiasts who can now enjoy a highly fulfilling experience without any worries of the games hanging. The entrance of Google fiber into the cable television market means that consumers will benefit from the competition because other internet service providers will have to either improve their speed or lower their prices (Levin & Downes, 2018). Another benefit of this technology is the high storage capacity of the DVR box of its Google fiber television. It allows one to record multiple shows at the same time, while the 2TB hard drive allows one to store several videos in HD.
One of the major negative impacts of Google fiber is the increased compromise on privacy of the users (Levin & Downes, 2018). Already, Google has a lot of personal user information stored on its database. With the introduction of a broadband internet service, many users might be concerned over the privacy of their data captured and stored in Googles cloud.
One of the ethical or social dilemmas related to Google fiber involves the correlation between fairness and neutrality. In the contemporary world, the safety of the internet environment is a major concern for all users. This phenomenon is necessitated by fears over fairness with regard to service providers taking credit for other peoples work and lack of involvement when dealing with disputes relating to their products. Google has access to a lot of information stored in their database, thus it is reasonable when people such as content creators have fears over the safety of their information (Johnson, 2020). It is important for Google to make efforts towards improving its privacy policy.
Smart Contact Lenses
Over the years, contact lenses have been worn to purposely boost vision. However, with the high rate of technological development, newer and smarter lenses offering an array of solutions have been introduced into the market. Life in the contemporary world is characterized by technological designs that are friendlier and solution-based. A good example is smart contact lenses. This technology is designed and developed by Google to help in addressing the challenges faced by diabetic people (Lavars, 2019). Though they are yet to enter clinical trials in human, this technology is bound to have a significant impact across the world.
Medical researchers argue that smart contact lenses will definitely change the way people perceive blood sugar monitoring. It has a simple design consisting of a soft contact lens with a sensor that has the ability to measure glucose levels in tears (Philips & Speedwell, 2018).
The lenses also have a small pinhole, through which tears percolate over a glucose observer that interprets any information captured. Additionally, they are fixed with a minute knob, a capacitor, as well as a switch that allow for the information captured to shift from the eye to the device that stores and analyses it. Google describes the smart contact lenses as comfortable, inexpensive, and empowering (Lavars, 2019). The companys motivation to develop this technology was necessitated by the declaration by the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) that the world was slowly losing the battle against the disease and it would welcome any form of input that would help address the challenge.
Smart contact lens is one of the technologies that one can predict that will have a significant impact in the field of medicine in the coming years. Over the years, medical researchers have struggled with designing and developing methodologies for measuring the glucose levels in people using tears. This observable fact was necessitated by a lack of technology that would safely capture and correctly analyze tears. However, smart contact lenses will solve this problem and make the treatment experience of diabetic people more fulfilling. Another benefit of smart contact lenses is that it will eliminate the traditional blood testing required when monitoring sugar levels within the body.
The fact that this technology has the potential to make blood sugar testing as effortless as possible, the excitement around it is quite understandable. As part of its development, Google has plans of equipping the lens with LED lights that will be changing color depending on how high or low the glucose levels are at a particular time (Lavars, 2019). Additionally, Google intends to make this technology for universal application as a way of helping all people improve their lifestyle regardless of ones health condition. Though Google had hoped to commercialize the lenses in five years from the time it launched the technology in 2014, there is still a lot of work that needs to be done before it can be ready for use by everyone.
One of the social issues relating to this technology is the increasing need to make the device comfortable for everyone. If the technology intends to help in easing the financial burden of health care providers by helping prevent the development of diabetes, it is important to make the lenses as comfortable to wear as possible (Philips & Speedwell, 2018). Additionally, many people will definitely have concerns over its design.
The developer should be able to fit the sensor, power supply and other essential components into the lenss thin film to achieve an attractive design. Critics of this technology have also raised concerns regarding the authenticity of the data analyzed considering it is captured and transmitted to a wireless device (Philips & Speedwell, 2018). The fact that the sensors on the wireless device have to be on all the time in order to receive the data raises concerns over the accuracy of data. Technological failures are inevitable and if such issues are not taken into consideration, there is a possibility of gaps developing in the results.
Google Glass
Google glass refers to a brand of smart glasses that wearers use to communicate with over the internet using natural language voice commands. The small, light, and wearable computer with a transparent display allows one to work hands-free. The glasses often display information in a hands-free format, just as is the case with smart phones (Redmond, 2013). Google glass helps the use to achieve three major things, namely maintain focus, improve accuracy, and real-time collaboration.
Glass helps one to stay focused because it eliminates any distractions that might limit ones degree of engagement with high value work. When using glass, one tends to achieve better results because easy access to content online makes work easier, quicker, and of high standard. The live video stream available in glass makes it for real-time collaboration when working because it is easier to engage experts in whatever one is doing without having to go offline (Redmond, 2013). This technology was made available to the public in 2014 but a year earlier Google had already sold prototypes to glass explorers.
One of the major criticisms that many of the initial users expressed with regard to the technology was its violation of privacy laws. Less than a year after it was introduced to the public, Google stopped its production with a tentative time of resumption set at 2017. In July 2017, Google introduced the Google glass enterprise edition that was later followed by its second edition in 2019. Some of the main features of Google glass include a touchpad located on the side, 5 MP & 8MP camera for the two editions, as well as a liquid crystal on silicon display.
Since its introduction, Google glass has had a significant impact in various fields. In medicine, this technology has helped practitioners in improving patient experiences by reducing the amount of time taken during visits. Medical researchers argue that this technology has the potential to address some of the perennial challenges health care workers deal with when handling electronic health records (Tang, 2014). To date, Google glass has been successfully used in surgical procedures in the United States, thus demonstrating the impact it has already created amidst the growing potential. In Australia, Google glass has been successfully applied in lactation consultation.
Although many critics still focus a lot on its privacy concerns, Google glass has demonstrated its potential as a wearable device with regard to the delivery of health and family support services across long distances. Studies have also shown that Google glass technology helps children with autism to understand their emotions (Redmond, 2013). In turn, this improves their ability to engage more directly with others.
As much as Google glass has created a lot of excitement across the world, it has a number of ethical issues with regard to its use. Users of Google glass can easily record people they engage in without their knowledge or consent (Tang, 2014).
Although the device uses a red light to indicate when one is recording, many first time users fall prey to people with insincere intentions. It is unethical for people using Google glass to film others without seeking their consent, as this takes the moral autonomy of making that decision from the victim. There is an urgent need for this feature to be regulated by the developer because it is in strict contravention of the reciprocity principle (Tang, 2014). The fact that the use of Google glass in casinos and cinemas across some parts of the United States is already prohibited should signal Google to act swiftly.
Google Nest
Google Nest refers to a brand by Google that primarily operates in marketing smart home devices such as smoke detectors, security systems, routers, as well as smart locks, displays, and streaming devices among others. Nest is a brand that was owned by Nest Labs, with the Nest learning thermostat being its first product. One of the most impressive features of the thermostat is its competitive price and energy saving mechanisms (Brown, 2017).
Through its sensors, it can tell when one is no longer home and turn itself down to conserve energy. The thermostat has sensors, is programmable, and Wi-Fi just like all other Nest products. Google acquired Nest Labs in 2014, where it operated as an independent brand up to 2018. In 2019, it was merged into the companys home-devices unit and all Googles home appliances started working under the Google nest brand (Counte, 2019).
The companys second product to be released into the market was the Nest Protect smoke and carbon monoxide detector. The unique feature of this product is a multicolored light ring, which uses different colors to indicate the ongoing operation. In 2015, the company released another product called nest cam indoor. Some of the notable features of the product include night vision, sound and motion alerts, as well as a rotating magnetic stand (Brown, 2017). Nest secure, a home security system, is also another product that the company announced in 2017. The security system consists of an alarm, keypad, and motion sensors. Nest Hello, a smart video doorbell enabled with facial recognition features was launched in 2018.
Since its entry into the market, Google nest has had a notable impact in the way people buy home appliances and security systems. The impact of their products was so significant to a point a parody by a German group was created and later detected. It operated with the name Google nest and offered fake products. This highlighted the increasing concern over the privacy of information captured by Google.
Creators of the parody website used the information from Googles database showing the behavior patterns of their users to know the kind of products with the highest demand. Although the company managed to deal with the issue, it remains for the public to have full confidence in the company. Additionally, there is an urgent need for increased government surveillance (Brown, 2017). It is important to appreciate the fact that Google nest has shown the commitment of Google towards improving privacy in our homes. The ability to link nest products with a mobile phone allows a user to monitor everything from anywhere.
The major ethical issue related to Google Nest is the distressing subject of privacy. It is important and necessary for Google and Nest labs to prioritize the privacy of their customers. They can try to avoid collecting their personal information for marketing purposes, as it can also attract legal issues in case they file for breach of privacy (Counte, 2019). For some people, the fact that most of the home appliances and security systems in the market are part of the Google brand feels like an invasion into their privacy. When it comes to home security and doing things across online databases, the ability of users to maintain their anonymity is usually a matter of priority.
Although Google has maintained a strong policy on the privacy issue, it is not possible to ignore the fact that people will need further convincing before buying and using their products without raising an eyebrow. Nest technology has changed the manner in which people manage their home security (Counte, 2019). Therefore, the numerous misconceptions that people have due to its relation with Google cannot be overlooked for business reasons.
There are over 100 search engines that can be used to search for information while one is using the internet. However, not all the web search engines are equally popular. Some of the worlds popular search engines include Google, Yahoo!, MSN, and Ask.com. The essay compares and contrasts Google and Yahoo! search engines. Although Yahoo! is also a useful tool for searching information on the web, Google remains the worlds leading search engine.
At the dawn of the twenty first century (2000), Google search engine became popular among internet users. It was founded by Larry Page and Sergey Brin starting 1996 and is owned by Google Inc. In December 2008, the popularity of Google in the world was at 82.7% and 78.4% a year later.
Its market share in the U.S in July 2009 stood at 63.2%. The company came up with great innovations to better its ability to meet clients demand and ease of accessing information. PageRank which was designed to operate algorithmically provided better results when searching for information.
The web pages are numbered and linked with other related pages using the PageRank. This linkage ensures that one can get alternative results and hence providing additional information. Google became popular owing to the fact that it reduced the interface to the search engine hence making its usage easier and uninterrupted.
Google, just like most search engines, works by retrieving and storing massive information of several web pages. The retrieval is accomplished using an automated browser known as a web crawler or spider. All links on any given site are tracked and retrieved. Once retrieved, the contents of the site are checked in order to get a proper way of indexing in the search engine.
The indexed data are stored in a database which is then searchable using a query. The process of indexing enables quick access of information, even by typing a single word. Search results are highly biased towards resources which are informational. It is highly ineffective for cheesy off topic links. Google search engine, for instance, stores all or a section of the web page and provides additional details about the source page.
Yahoo!s search service provision has been in existence for a significantly long time. David F. and Jerry Yang are the founders of Yahoo! (1994). It used to provide search services for web pages using its own web directories as well as outsourcing to other providers.
It did not display the full-text of a given web page. In 2000, Yahoo! used Inktomis search engine to provide search services which it later acquired two years later. In 2004, Yahoo! shifted to Google and used it to provide search services. Yahoo!, after borrowing technologies from the various acquisitions and partnering installed its own search engine.
In July 2009, a deal between Yahoo! and Microsoft was reached where the Microsofts search engine technology (Bing) would power Yahoo!s. The performance of Yahoo! search engine over the last decade has been on the decline both in terms of popularity and market share. In July 2009, it had a market share of 7.16%.
Currently, Yahoo! search engine has numerous internal materials and is highly commercialized. Other companies pay in order to be included in the Yahoo! search. In this case, a person who wishes to use it would first have to pass an interface of commercial advertisements.
This has impacted negatively on the popularity of Yahoo! due to some element of bias during the search process. The greatest challenge in Yahoo! search is the determination of the nature of a given link, whether it is a natural or artificial citation. For Yahoo! search engine, it is quite effective when it comes to cheesy off topic reciprocal links.
The two search engines described above have significant similarities and differences. They are similar in that they provide similar services, work using relatively similar technologies and retrieval patterns. However, Google and Yahoo! search engines have peculiar origins, popularity, market share, and preferences.
Search engines offer great opportunities for people using the internet since they are able to get rich information easily.
The users rate these service providers on the quality and ease of retrieving information. Owing to the inherent biases by the various search engines, Yahoo! has lost its popularity since it is highly commercialized and is unable to accurately determine the authenticity of the content.
Compare the Networking/Communication Technology of Microsoft Teams, Discord, Skype, and Google Workspace
Each of the platforms presented is a service that allows users to communicate online with each other from various locations. Communication technologies include text-to-speech tools, although programs are predominantly used to make video and audio calls between users. As the programs compete with each other, providing largely interchangeable features, each strives to build into the architecture tools that its competitors already have, such as making group calls, file-sharing features, and working with AR for effects and backgrounds during a video call. In addition, each app has a paid version of advanced features, including the ability to text and call phones, use additional emoticons and channel moderation features, and increase capacity on file uploads. The communication focus of the apps differs: for example, Skype, Google Workspace, and Microsoft Teams are predominantly focused on work/study purposes, meaning they are used chiefly for non-entertainment calls (What is Skype, 2022). These can be interviews, work conferences, online lectures at a university, or private sessions with a teacher. However, this does not mean that the platforms mentioned above cannot be used for personal purposes, such as calling relatives. By contrast, Discord is focused initially on the gamer community (Discord, 2022). Although it can also be used for other purposes, for example, personal communication
Compare Databases of Microsoft Teams, Discord, Skype, and Google Workspace
Since these platforms are used by many people daily, they must have advanced databases to store and process information about calls and files efficiently. Until recently, Skype had a SQL Server database, which quickly proved operationally inefficient due to expansion; therefore, the platform moved to Microsofts globally distributed NoSQL (Anderson, 2019). Discord-it uses the same database from a different vendor, allows companies to use data intensively with minimal latency and scale efficiently (Scylla DB, Inc., 2020). Unlike non-relational databases, Microsoft Teams uses relational Dataflex; this means that information in Microsoft Teams is stored in orderly tables and lists, unlike Skype and Discord. Google Workspace also uses a relational database, namely Airtable (Google Workspace actions, 2022). Thus, the main differences in the databases between the platforms are the ordering of the information, the flexibility of management, and the ability to define relationships between points.
Google Glass refers to a collection of technological glasses manufactured by Google X to facilitate communication among workers. This device resembles ordinary eyeglasses. The initial edition of Google Glass was comprised of lenses that were mounted on titanium frames (Muensterer et al. 284). These gadgets displayed messages from an individuals Google account or smartphone. Primarily, the introduction of this technology received immense criticism since many people felt that it infringed on their privacy (Simonite). The pioneer corporation, Google, was forced to suspend the production of such smart glasses. Today, this company has launched a new version of smart glasses that constitute artificial intelligence. Hence, it is crucial to discuss Google Glass and its features, including what the future holds for this technology.
Features of Google Glass
Google Glass is different from ordinary eyeglasses because it is technology-enabled. It consists of a touchpad, which is situated on the side to enable the wearer to manage its usage. Its lenses have a display that resembles a timeline interface. A user can view past and current events by swiping through the timeline (Muensterer et al. 285). This device has a camera that helps a person take photos and record videos. It also has a light-emitting diode (LED) display that helps people to view the information they require.
Uses
Google Glass is used in different fields, one of them being medical. Augmedix invented an application that enables Google Glass users to access patients information, thus minimizing challenges associated with an electronic health record. This tool is said to enhance operations in hospital settings since it allows doctors to give patients maximum attention. Medics have confirmed that Google Glass is helpful, particularly in facilitating processes in the field of interventional radiology. In addition, the technology is highly deployed when conducting fistula last and liver biopsy (Muensterer et al. 287). It helps to enhance efficiency, surgeons comfort, and patients safety. Google Glass applies to children with autism. It facilitates their understanding of facial lexis and emotions. Brain Power has launched a project that helps these children to acquire conversation skills, speech, emotion decoding, and stress management mechanisms. Many families claim that this technology has been of significant help to their loved ones. The only problem is that Google Glass has not been demonstrated to be a lasting solution to individuals with autism.
Criticism
Google Glass is criticized for its intrusion of peoples privacy. Moreover, individuals opposed to this technology question the ethics and etiquette of its usage. Googles administration admits that this innovation can result in its users becoming isolated (Simonite). Nevertheless, the goal of developing this gadget was to minimize the problems attributed to accessing peoples Google accounts and checking social media. Cyber forensic experts argue that criminals may take advantage of the functionalities of Google Glass to steal peoples passwords (Simonite). The University of Massachusetts developed a Google Glass application that could trail finger shadows whenever people accessed their accounts using secret codes. Such a program could be dangerous, especially if it falls into the hands of malicious individuals.
The Future
The future of Google Glass looks promising. Technological growth has made it possible for Google to develop an artificial intelligence-enabled glass. This device will help monitor employees activities in their workplaces. For instance, organizations will use this technology to know when staff report to work. Moreover, businesses will deploy artificial intelligence-enhanced glass to troubleshoot production processes and determine issues that require urgent attention.
Conclusion
Organizations and people continue to adopt various technologies to enhance their daily operations. Although Google Glass is criticized for infringing on peoples privacy, it is imperative to consider the numerous benefits attached to it. The introduction of artificial intelligence-enhanced glass will be of significant value to not only the medical field but also the industrial sector. This technology will help to improve organizations efficiency levels.
Works Cited
Muensterer, Oliver J, et al. Google Glass in Pediatric Surgery: An Exploratory Study. International Journal of Surgery, vol. 12, no. 4, 2014, pp. 281-289.
Self-driven cars are one of the technologies being developed by Google. The chauffeur software powers the robotic vehicles and is capable of detecting anything a human driver can see. The driverless cars are equipped with a light radar system, 64-beam laser, and high-definition inch-precision map as well as other detection equipment. The 64-beam laser is the range finder, which is placed at the top of the vehicle. Besides, the laser enables the robotic vehicle to create a three-dimensional map of its immediate environment. The three-dimensional maps are combined with the worlds high-resolution maps to produce diverse characteristics of data models that allow the car to drive automatically (Fisher, 2013). Besides the on-board systems, the driverless cars are also systematically automated in certain remote computer houses.
According to Google, cars are not just purposely for transportation but can also be used for other purposes (Fisher, 2013). Driverless cars technology would revolutionize the manner in which people commute around the globe. Driverless car technology would find various applications ranging from providing the solutions to physical inabilities to commercials. Most importantly, blind people would easily commute using driverless cars. Finding something that the blind can comfortably utilize without any help is one of the greatest solutions the driverless cars can offer (Fisher, 2013). Besides, driverless cars can be utilized for advertisements as well as meeting various business hauling needs. While various individual and business applications can find the driverless cars useful, the firm is still not yet ready to roll out the technology for commercial purposes. In other words, the driverless cars will not be utilized in the near future (Fisher, 2013).
However, technology can still be used for various purposes. In fact, Google is planning to come up with a firm that would market the technology to the producers of automobiles. The technology behind driverless cars is currently becoming popular with automobile manufacturers (Fisher, 2013). Some of the firms are testing the technology with the application of low-powered green energy. Essentially, the technology behind driverless cars has the potential for the future.
However, the applicability of the driverless cars on the common roads has been questioned. In fact, some of the critics argue that operating driverless cars pose great risks to other road users (Fisher, 2013). Besides, the concerns that the technology is ahead of road regulation in most of the jurisdictions have been raised. While the technology is noble, most states and countries have not adjusted the road regulations to allow the vehicles to be operated (Fisher, 2013). Moreover, according to policymakers and regulators, new laws need to be enacted in order to make the technology a reality. With fast advancing technology and changes in the transport sector, there is a need to change some of the regulations that were used as far as the age of horse-driven carriages (Fisher, 2013).
The violations of the road regulations are not the only issue with the driverless car technology. The majority still do not trust the technology, and most fears pronounced accidents in case the technological error (Fisher, 2013). Since cars are expected to carry those who cannot drive, there are increased chances of causing accidents. While the issues have been raised from various fronts, Google has defended the technology as being the safest inroads. According to the firm, safety is one of the most considered factors while developing technology. Besides, studies indicate that the accidents involving chauffeur technology used in driverless cars are extremely limited compared with accidents caused by human drivers (Fisher, 2013).
Google Renewable Energy
Googles focus on renewable energy is based on the need for the production and utilization of green energy (Google, 2014). Google has put in place various projects aimed at attaining the goal of producing green energy. In fact, all projects of Google emphasize on saving energy. Developing the technologies aimed at extracting renewable and clean energy has been the major objective of the firm (Google, 2014). Through the utilization of Google.org platform, the firm has been involved in the development of solar, wind, and geothermal technologies aimed at tapping the renewable and clean energy. The Google.org has been pursuing projects that give attention to the development of solar-powered turbines that would produce enough electricity to power industries and meet the needs of firms and institutions that require large quantities of energy.
Related to solar turbines, the firm is involved in the development of low-cost heliostats that concentrates solar energy (Google, 2014). The heliostats are large concave mirrors that track the sun and converges the suns rays to produce solar energy. The firm is also involved in various projects that develop technologies used in mapping the solar as well as the geothermal sources of energy around the globe. The major aim of the projects is to come up with new technologies that would enable firms and industries to generate clean and renewable energy (Google, 2014).
Google aims to eliminate the power generated through the burning of coal or other carbon fuels. The power generated from fossil fuels accounts for over ninety percent of the total world energy. The burning of the fuel has also caused climate-related problems resulting from the greenhouse effects of the hydrocarbons being emitted into the atmosphere (Google, 2014). The eliminations of the problems associated with the current energy generation techniques are one of the ways through which Googles renewable energy technologies are useful to humankind (Google, 2014).
The renewable energy techniques developed by Google would be beneficial to all people across the globe. Besides the huge contribution to the reduction of global warming, the renewable and clean energy would be affordable to the majority of consumers (Google, 2014). In fact, the firm aims to develop ways through individual homes that can easily tap solar energy and economically utilize it to meet its energy needs. Google believes that the efficient tapping and application of solar energy can be achieved through developing energy-saving home appliances, solar cars, and other forms of equipment that can function without the use of powered energy (Google, 2014).
The development of green and renewable energy technologies is within the broader goal of the firm geared towards reducing climate change (Google, 2014). In fact, the goal has seen the firm developing various programs that protect businesses against the adverse effects of climate change. Using the Google Venture platform, the firm has collaborated with various firms to develop technologies geared towards reducing global warming and sponsoring businesses to come up with technologies that are applicable to their own environments (Google, 2014). Through the initiatives, Google perceives renewable energy as a business opportunity apart from the environmental benefits. The continuous investments in the development of green energy are one way of securing the future for everyone.
Google Home Automation
Google has been involved in the development of new technologies that lead to the advancements of home automation (Khedekar, 2014). Home automation technologies vary from refrigerators that senses when the milk is running out and automatically orders for more to kettles that robotically brew coffee. The firm has been involved in these developments through its Android@Home platform. Through the platform, the firm has developed the technologies that connect the light bulbs as well as the coffee pots to the android phones.
However, the firm is moving beyond home applications. The firm is currently involved in the development of much broader gargets using the internet through the Internet of Things platform (Khedekar, 2014). Currently, the firm is pursuing an open accessory development kit. The firm is collaborating with various accessory manufacturing firms to develop appliances that can easily be connected to the internet through android technology. In fact, Google is calling upon the accessory manufacturers to connect anything from small frills to larger appliances. In the programs, the firm is developing new technologies that would ensure the connection of anything from small gadgets to large machines (Khedekar, 2014).
The firms home automation technologies are involved not only the development of home appliances but also energy-saving gadgets and smart home thermostats. The firm is currently involved in the development of home automation security. In fact, the firm is planning to develop Dropcam, a connected camera start-up that utilizes cloud services. The application of the cloud-connected security camera allows the users to record everything at all places using compatible devices (Khedekar, 2014). The firm is actually advancing into home security and automation. Using the Dropcam, the firm is putting together actions and activities into particular movements, including notifications for special alerts.
The firm believes that home automation remains critical in saving valuable resources that can be utilized somewhere for other benefits. The NEST program that involves the development of smart home thermostat is one of the proven cases (Khedekar, 2014). The program has developed a device that saves quite an amount of energy while at the same time utilizing green energy that is critical in conserving the environment and reduction of carbon emissions. With home automation programs, Google is focusing on saving and the utilization of green energy. The automation of home appliances would also save people time, which can be utilized in other income-generating activities. Besides, the automation of home devices would also enhance security (Khedekar, 2014). The development of home toolkits that are connected to gargets such as iPhones and iPads and allow users to have control over their security cameras, switches, lights, home, and garage-doors is critical in enhancing security.
Making life easier and better is the major theme behind developing new gadgets that enhance home automation (Khedekar, 2014). Google believes that saving on valuable resources, such as time, would make life easier and better. Besides, the firm believes in the utilization of green energy as well as savings on the use of energy as the main component of making planet earth a better place to live. Above all, through the home automation, the firm wants to be part of the firms that make devices that secure, make easier, and better the life of humankind.
Google Space Elevators
Google is currently involved in the development of space technologies ranging from space elevators to techniques that would land man into other planets. Google is currently investing in technologies that would end up with an infrastructure that leaves the earths atmosphere into space. In fact, Googles space elevators would enable direct access to space without the utilization of rockets (Miller & Bilton, 2011). The argument is that rocket propulsion utilizes a lot of energy in terms of fuel, which contributes to carbon emissions. In addition, the utilized rocket parts also pose a serious danger of colliding with important satellites above the earths atmosphere. The shortcomings in the current space technology have pushed Google to come up with another program within the Google X space project (Miller & Bilton, 2011).
The main idea behind the space elevator program is to develop a ribbon running from earth into the low-earth orbit, allowing space vehicles easy access into space. The ease of accessibility into space would enhance scientific experiments as well as other commercial ventures (Miller & Bilton, 2011). Besides, the elevators can be transformed into a landing platform used to land vehicles into other planets. Goggle is among the firms that believe such kind of elevators can be developed and become operational within this decade (Miller & Bilton, 2011).
Space elevators are one of the projects that go beyond the boundaries of the firms web search business. Google believes that the technology would be used to collect information from space and transport materials, including fresh supplies to the international space station (Miller & Bilton, 2011). Google plans to make the technology be commercially plausible and return enormous benefits to the firm. Even though the technology is based on space travel along with cables fixed on earth, the firm believes that the technique has increased advantages compared with the current rocket travels. According to the firms founders and entrepreneurs, the aim of developing technology is to make space travel cheaper and energy-efficient (Miller & Bilton, 2011).
Space elevators will primarily be used to enhance Googles involvement in collecting the data that is beyond the earth. One of the major areas where the technology would be used is to aid in mapping the earths solar energy as well as collecting some of the solar data (Miller & Bilton, 2011). Google believes that space elevator technology would enhance space explorations as well as related commercial ventures.
Space elevators are one of the technologies that would promote human endeavor in exploiting the resources beyond the earths atmosphere. Besides, the technology is aimed at savings into energy in terms of the fuel used in the rocket propulsions. Besides, technology is one of the cleanest and green energies that can be used to haul materials into space. Other risks associated with the current rocket technology are also reduced considerably (Miller & Bilton, 2011). However, whether the technology is important at this moment is still questionable. Most critics argue that the firm should be involved in developing technologies that directly benefit the people. While the firm is committed to solving the earths problems through technology, space elevators are technologies that do not provide a solution to the earths immediate needs (Miller & Bilton, 2011).
Google New Drugs and Treatments
Google is one of the firms that are keen on developing new forms of drugs that can easily fight diseases. Essentially, the firm is currently working on new drug development technologies that remain critical in fighting the current epidemics (Mark, 2011). Currently, the firm is heavily investing in a novel approach in the development of drugs that use yeast cells to discover new antibodies. Google has entered into a joint venture with Adimab, a pharmaceutical firm, to develop this technology and come up with new drugs that can easily fight related diseases at cheaper costs. Besides, the Google subsidiary firm, Hyperion, is also involved in developing new drugs using the techniques dubbed cellular reprogramming (Mark, 2011). The technique is used to manufacture drugs that are capable of modifying the genetic structure of the disease-causing pathogens.
Besides, Google is involved in the development of new technologies in fighting diseases such as cancer. Google believes that fighting cancer fits perfectly with its corporate social responsibility. Google has invested heavily in cancer prevention and treatment technologies, including the development of new kinds of generic drugs (Mark, 2011). In addition, through collaborating with various medical foundations, Google has been involved in the development of new techniques that integrate the genomic and molecular data to come up with novel approaches to cancer care and treatment. The firm understands that the engineering involved in the cancer cure is a global challenge.
As indicated, the social responsibility theme at Google of making life better for all people in society fits well with its continuous involvement and investments in the drug development techniques. The involvement in the new techniques will drive humankind miles ahead in the treatment and fight against some of the common diseases (Mark, 2011). The venture into the development of new medical technology will benefit society as a whole. Google believes that humankind can appropriately utilize the technological prowess to conquer some of the diseases that have remained a challenge within the global front. Diseases such as cancer can be eliminated through the application of the technologies. In essence, the venture into the new technologies critical in fighting the diseases will remain beneficial to humankind for generations to come.
However, new technologies have side effects. In fact, the new drugs have been questioned over their effectiveness and test concerns (Mark, 2011). The pharmaceutical firms collaborating with Google have been taken into the task to explain the applicability of the new drugs in the human body. Besides, the firms have been accused of testing the new technological drugs in developing countries irrespective of the regulations that have been put in place. However, ethical concerns have not stopped Google from its continuous quest to fight the diseases. In fact, the firm has put in place measures that address ethical concerns while continuing to develop new approaches to the treatment of diseases (Mark, 2011). Generally, the benefits of new technologies in treatments the firm is investing in is greater compared with some of the issues that have been raised. The firm believes that ethical concerns can be solved. New approaches in fighting diseases should remain the driving factor.
