Alphabet Inc. (formerly: Google)

What is Google's plan with the acquisitions? I am looking forward for next innovation from Google...

Google's former head of Android now running its robotics group: report

[SAN FRANCISCO] Google Inc has quietly acquired more than a half-dozen companies for a new robotics groups led by Andy Rubin, formerly in charge of Google's popular mobile software, according to a report in the New York Times on Wednesday.

The new group is focusing on developing robotic technology that can be used in factories, rather than developing robots intended for consumers, the report said.

A Google spokeswoman declined to comment. - Reuters

Source: Business Times Breaking News

Google Street View coverage will soon cover the whole globe...

Google Street View goes to Antarctica

SINGAPORE — Google launches its new panoramic imagery of remote locations around the world, and more of Antarctica on Street View today (Dec 12).

Users can virtually travel and enjoy a 360° view of the Ile Vache Marine, Pitcairn Island, Lisianski Island, Laysan Island, Henderson Island and East Island.

The four locations on Antarctica are Arena Valley, Hidden Valley, Beacon Valley and Cape Royds, where a waddle of penguins can be seen.

Google worked with the National Science Foundation, New Zealand Antarctica Programs and the Mokupapapa Discovery Centre to collect these images.
http://www.todayonline.com/tech/google-s...antarctica

Another battle field for mobile OS, after mobile phone... I knew Windows already in the car long before iOS and Android...

Android attempts to unseat Apple iOS in cars

LONDON — Will buying a car soon involve questioning whether it is compatible with your smartphone?

Google yesterday (Jan 6) announced a new “Open Automotive Alliance” (OAA), teaming up with carmakers Audi, General Motors, Honda, Hyundai and the graphics chipset company Nvidia to “enable new forms of integration” — but will find Apple and Microsoft already wooing many carmakers with their own software.

Nor do carmakers seem prepared to throw their lot in with one or the other platform. Audi, General Motors and Hyundai have previously announced tieups with Apple, while Ford counts both Microsoft and Apple among its collaborators.
...
http://www.todayonline.com/tech/android-...e-ios-cars

I am always curious on the "confidential projects" carried out within Google... That make Google a good technology stock, IMO.

Google to acquire smoke-alarm maker for S$4b cash

SAN FRANCISCO — Google yesterday (Jan 13) announced plans to acquire Nest, a maker of smart thermostats and smoke alarms, for US$3.2 billion (S$4 billion), signalling the Internet company’s intention to expand into a broader array of devices and bringing valuable hardware design expertise in-house.

Nest, which was cofounded by one of the creators of Apple’s iconic iPod music player, will continue to operate as its own distinct brand after the all-cash deal closes, Google said
...
http://www.todayonline.com/business/goog...r-s4b-cash

Google is definitely a good company.

But the high earnings multiple and the diversity of its growth source makes it almost impossible to value as a value investor.

But it is good to hold in small amounts for its growth potential.

(14-01-2014, 09:52 AM)Wildreamz Wrote: Google is definitely a good company.

But the high earnings multiple and the diversity of its growth source makes it almost impossible to value as a value investor.

But it is good to hold in small amounts for its growth potential.

small amounts is quite big when the share cost is USD1100+ :p

Google unveils 'smart contact lens' to measure glucose levels

17 January 2014

Google has said it is testing a "smart contact lens" that can help measure glucose levels in tears.

It uses a "tiny" wireless chip and a "miniaturised" glucose sensor embedded between two layers of lens material.

The firm said it is also working on integrating tiny LED lights that could light up to indicate that glucose levels have crossed certain thresholds.

But it added that "a lot more work" needed to be done to get the technology ready for everyday use.

"It's still early days for this technology, but we've completed multiple clinical research studies which are helping to refine our prototype," the firm said in a blogpost.

"We hope this could someday lead to a new way for people with diabetes to manage their disease."

'Exciting development'

Many global firms have been looking to expand in the wearable technology sector - seen by many as a key growth area in the coming years.

Various estimates have said the sector is expected to grow by between $10bn and $50bn (£6bn and £31bn) in the next five years.

Within the sector, many firms have been looking specifically at technology targeted at healthcare.

Google's latest foray with the smart contact lens is aimed at a sector where consumer demand for such devices is expected to grow.

According to the International Diabetes Federation, one in ten people across the world's population are forecast to have diabetes by 2035.

People suffering from the condition need to monitor their glucose levels regularly as sudden spikes or drops are dangerous. At present, the majority of them do so by testing drops of blood.

Google said it was testing a prototype of the lens that could "generate a reading once per second".

"This is an exciting development for preventive healthcare industry," Manoj Menon, managing director of consulting firm Frost & Sullivan told the BBC.

"It is likely to spur a range of other innovations towards miniaturizing technology and using it in wearable devices to help people monitor their bodies better."

Open innovation?

Google said it was working with the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to bring the product to mainstream use.

It added that it would look for partners "who are experts in bringing products like this to market".

Google said it would work with these partners to develops apps aimed at making the measurements taken by the lens available to the wearer and their doctor.

Mr Menon said it was "commendable" that Google was willing to work with other partners even before the product was commercially ready.

"Their open innovation approach is going to help accelerate the development of this product and get it out to the market much faster," he said.

Other firms have also been looking towards wearable products that help monitor the health of the wearer.

Earlier this month, a gadget called Sensible Baby was unveiled at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas. It is a sensor put in an infant's night clothes that tracks their temperature, orientation and movement.

It sounds a smartphone app alarm if it detects a problem.

Several smartwatches that can monitor data by studying key indicators such as the the wearer's heart rate and temperature have also been launched.

Last year, Japanese firm Sony filed a patent for a 'SmartWig', with healthcare cited as one of its potential uses.

It said the wig could use a combination of sensors to help collect information such as temperature, pulse and blood pressure of the wearer

(not vested)

Google patents ad tech linking restaurant to taxi ride

24 January 2014

Technology giant Google has patented a way of linking online ads to free or discounted taxi rides to the advertising restaurant, shop or entertainment venue.

The transport-linked ad service could encourage consumers to respond more often to location-based special offers, experts say.

Algorithms would work out the customer's location, the best route and form of transport, Google says.

Analysts have welcomed the idea.......................................

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-25878075

I am looking forward for the "wow" future product announcement from Google...

Google to buy artificial intelligence company DeepMind

GOOGLE Inc said on Sunday it had agreed to acquire privately held artificial intelligence company DeepMind Technologies Ltd.

Technology news website Re/code, which reported news of the deal earlier, said the price was US$400 million, without disclosing where it got the information.

A Google spokesman declined to comment on the price. DeepMind representatives could not be immediately reached for comment.

Ref: Reuters, Business Times Breaking News

http://www.marketwatch.com/story/google-...atest_news

Lenovo is buying Motorola Mobility for US $2.91 Billion. "In mid-2012, Google acquired Motorola Mobility for $12.5 billion.".

Wow I wonder if I am reading it correctly. So google views the patent portfolio it is keeping as $10Billion? That's a pretty expensive patent