Bigmouthmedia search engine news: americas

Google starts displaying Americanised dates

Mon, 05 Jan 2009 12:00:00 GMT

Britons seem to have an innate reaction that tells them that there are certain things are wrong. For example, in the mind of the average Brit the words 'colour' and 'favourite' should always contain the letter U, 'search engine optimisation' and 'organised' should have an S not a Z (which should be pronounced 'zed' not 'zee') and dates should be written in the format DD-MM-YYYY.

Google, being an American company, sadly doesn't agree and recently has begun to show some results with a date beside them - presumably to help the searcher in terms of relevancy - but they're not all completely accurate.

Sites using the British format are having trouble if their page is being dated within the first 12 days of a month as this can be, and is, confused with an American date. A site with the date 06/11/2008 will be displayed as 11 June rather than 6 November as a Brit would have intended as found by British company Ensurve, who blogged about the change on the first of January.

Not all pages have had this new feature added to their results; this seems mainly to be because there is no mention of a date on the page. The ones that have been included, or afflicted, so far do not seem to be intentionally trying - there is no mention of the date in the meta tags or anywhere in the head, just mentioned somewhere in the body text. Of course, this won't always have a direct relation to when the work was actually published, but in some cases - such as for news sites - if you have breaking news on the 1 February (01/02) and Google is telling everyone that your page was created/updated on 2 January your click through rate is not going to be as high as it otherwise could be.

At the moment there seems to be no easy way for sites to tell Google that they're based in the UK - having a .co.uk domain doesn't seem to be make any difference and searches on google.com and google.co.uk show the same, American, layout.

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Google abandons Yahoo! to escape lawsuit

Thu, 06 Nov 2008 12:00:00 GMT

Mountain View giant Google has pulled out of its agreement with fellow search company Yahoo!. A deal between the two would have seen them working together in the field of paid search advertising.

In a move described by Yahoo! as "disappointing", Google decided to withdraw from the deal to escape the US Justice Department's decision to file a lawsuit against them, despite Yahoo! having said that it would change its own terms to keep the watchdog happy.

Posting on the search engine's official blog, Google's chief legal counsel, David Drummond, said: "Pressing ahead risked not only a protracted legal battle but also damage to relationships with valued partners.

"That wouldn't have been in the long-term interests of Google or our users, so we have decided to end the agreement."

While it's true that the deal could have seen Google and Yahoo! create a monopoly over display and paid search advertising, they may have been able to succeed if Yahoo! had been given the chance to further rearrange its terms.

The result could usher in another opportunity for Microsoft to sweep in and pick up the pieces - something that the international corporation has been trying to do for some time now. But after months of wrangling over its hostile takeover bid before rejecting it outright, does Yahoo! now hold a grudge against the software giant?

In fact, all throughout this battle, the only company that looks to have emerged intact is Google. Perhaps this knowledge will see Yahoo! finally giving in to Microsoft and teaming up to become a formidable opponent against the Mountain View kings.

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Google and Obama: a match made in heaven?

Wed, 05 Nov 2008 12:00:00 GMT

Google's formidable achievements during its short ten year life span haven't escaped the attention of anyone in the tech world. But it's easy to forget that eight of those years took place under the George W. Bush presidency - an administration that hit an unprecedented low approval rating of 20 per cent at the weekend, according to a CBS survey.

So it's maybe no surprise that Google employees were the largest contributors to Barack Obama's election campaign in California and the third largest corporate donors nationally - money that was instrumental in his eventual victory, announced this morning. In fact, PC Magazine's Sascha Segan writes that Obama's victory is also Google's victory - not least because of the president-elect's open attitude towards the internet.

Let's start from the beginning: Obama has always had a strong presence on the web, a strategy that many have seen as the essence of his attraction to younger voters. Retrospectively considering Obama's campaign, Mashable points out that he outpaced his Democratic rivals Hillary Clinton and John Edwards by almost 40,000 views on YouTube's political channel, YouChoose. What's more, his significant primary wins in February led to the most successful viral video in history, in which Black Eyed Peas artist will.i.am remixed his acceptance speeches.

On Google itself, Obama steadily remained a more popular search term than his Republican rival, John McCain, although the commotion surrounding the announcement of Sarah Palin as the latter's vice presidential candidate did overtake searches for the Democrat from mid-August to late September.

Although any internet-savvy voter in the US - and any American politics fiend globally - will remember 2008 as the first truly digital election, Google could well be the main beneficiary of the impending Obama presidency in the online world. In Obama's statement of his technology goals, he declares the need for "a Google-like search engine that will allow ordinary Americans to track federal grants, contracts, earmarks, and loans online."

Perhaps it was this not-so-subtle nod to Google's achievements that led to Google employees donating a total of $701,099 nationally towards his campaign. It might also have something to do with the fact that Eric Schmidt - Google's CEO - was one of the Democrat's prominent technology advisers, along with two Federal Communications Commission (FCC) heads.

In essence, Obama's openness towards net neutrality and his pledge to deploy next generation broadband speed across the United States is likely to be of great benefit to the search giant. Coincidentally or not, this joint desire was given a leg up yesterday when the FCC ruled that 'white spaces', unlicensed parts of US TV airwaves, can be used to deliver broadband services - a move that's opposed by TV networks.

But there are other elements of Obama's tech policy on which Google's primary rivals, Microsoft and Yahoo!, are certain to capitalise too - namely ensuring competitive markets and safeguarding privacy. In particular, Microsoft (who donated around $714,000 to Obama's campaign) has voiced several complaints this year over the search engine's growing online presence, especially in relation to Google and Yahoo!'s paid search advertising deal.

In addition, as privacy groups continue to lambast Google and pursue their grievances in court, Obama could find himself stuck between a rock and a hard place when it comes to his approach to the company's increasing dominance.

How Obama's technology policies will play out as his attention is focussed on the current economic crisis, however, is yet to be seen. Right now, he's probably too busy relishing in the current president's words of wisdom: "Congratulations and go enjoy yourself."

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Google raises eyebrows with fresh privacy concerns

Tue, 04 Nov 2008 12:00:00 GMT

Every day, Google sites are accessed by millions of users all searching for information, checking their e-mails and scanning news headlines. It's impossible to deny that Google has developed an impressive list of high quality products that are not only incredibly useful, slightly addictive but, best of all, free. Originally a search engine, the Google homepage has become more like a computer desktop, with chat, word processing and calendar features all taunting Microsoft, as Google tries to overtake the original software giant. And as the Google empire grows, regulators, watchdogs and everyday civilians all grow a little bit more wary of Google's advances.

In the last few months, concerns have been focussed on the pending Google-Yahoo deal. As regulators mull over monopoly concerns and the financial implications on the industry, a new wave of uneasiness is mounting over future privacy issues. How much information would Google have access to if it were to sign a deal with Yahoo? As these thoughts are chewed over by industry watchdogs and privacy advocates, questions are revived about how much information Google already does know.

For one watchdog group in California, the launch of Google's new Chrome browser was the final straw. Writing to the Google directors, the group stressed that Google does not provide users with "appropriate transparency and control", raising particular concerns over the Google navigation bar whose search feature relays data to Google datacenters even before the user clicks enter.

Such concerns are not limited to Google Chrome but also to its analytics software, which has been integrated into millions of websites across the net. German newsite Spiegel.de recently decided to remove Google Analytics from its website in an attempt to protect its readers. The German newsgroup warned readers that even people who don't use Google or products like Gmail or Maps still have data gathered on them as so many companies use the analytics software on their websites.

Far from the Spiegel headquarters in the lakeside town of Molfsee, townsfolk have grown anxious over a fleet of Opel Astras all sporting the Google logo. Naturally, Molfsee isn't the only town that has grown tired of Google zooming in on them. Across both sides of the Atlantic, more and more complaints are being launched over Google street cars, with huge concerns raised over privacy rights as it attempts to expand its StreetView service.

Of course, Google has been gathering data on users for years and it's likely that many of the people complaining about Google street cars have been using Google search for years. But the fact that these street cars are so visible has driven home the fact of Google's sheer size and power. All of this raises one major question: knowing that Google knows so much, do people now stop using Google's useful, addictive and free products? Or do they just continue on as normal and trust Google to adhere to its unofficial motto and not be evil? Until its competitors come up with search and online services that are as developed and advanced, the latter seems most likely.

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Google strikes landmark deal for Book Search

Wed, 29 Oct 2008 12:00:00 GMT

It's taken two years but Google has finally struck a landmark deal with the Authors Guild and Association of American Publishers to significantly expand its innovative Book Search project.

The $125 million (£80 million) agreement sees the settlement of various copyright lawsuits filed against Google since it started the Google Book Search project four years ago. It means that millions of books - both those that are out-of-print and in-print, in-copyright works - will be made available for browsing and purchase through Google Book Search.

Crucially, the deal involves the establishment of the Book Rights Registry, a non-profit organisation that will ensure copyrighted works are given compensation through ad revenue or subscription services. As a result, out-of-print books that have little or no commercial viability today are likely to benefit considerably, while in-copyright works could find new revenue streams from untapped audiences.

But what does that mean for users? Essentially, the new and improved Google Book Search will offer users the option to view publications in their entirety or on a page-by-page basis for a fee, although free samples of chosen titles may also be made available. Online readers will be able to create an "online bookshelf", with the chance to buy lifetime rights to read and print scanned books through Google Book Search. What's more, a subscription service is also being set up by the search engine, so free access can be provided by institutions such as universities and libraries.

David Drummond, Google's Senior Vice President of Corporate Development and its Chief Legal Officer, said on the official Google blog: "Before [Google] was even founded, Larry and Sergey imagined a way to make it easier for anyone, anywhere to access the information held within the world's books. Search simply isn't complete without that content, and providing more access to more books is a vision Google has never lost sight of."

Paul Aiken, executive director of the Authors Guild, added that the deal represents "the biggest book deal in US publishing history". However, it still needs to be approved by a US federal court judge in Manhattan before it can officially go ahead. If the judge grants Google clearance to embark on the project, it will certainly mark a huge step forward in its quest to organise the world's information and make it universally accessible, while at the same time creating a revolutionary new frontier in the way we preserve our literary history.

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Google Trends plots Xbox Live Troubles

Wed, 01 Oct 2008 12:00:00 GMT

Xbox Live, the popular online gaming system from Microsoft, has been experiencing on-going technical issues this week and Google's Hot Trends has been catching the action in all its gory detail.

Xbox Live allows Xbox and Xbox 360 consoles to offer a number of games that allow users to play friends, rivals and strangers online. XboxLlive also permits users to download upgrades, new games, instant message, voice chat and even hire movies (delivered over the internet to the Xbox 360's hard drive).

Google's Hot Trends reveals the 100 most popular keyphrase searches in the US and updates daily - and its archives reveal that a certain gaming system has been featuring on the list of late.

According to Blake Grundman at Kombo, Microsoft claimed that there 'may be isolated issues' with the service yesterday. However, keyphrases such as [xbox live down] and [xbox live mtu failed] had surged into Google's hottest 100 keyphrase searches the day before.

The graph above plots the number of keyphrases containing [xbox] as they entered Google's hourly Hot Trend report over the last few days.

Xbox's Major Nelson twittered that the issues had been fixed. He noted, "The storm has passed" and "Back to Live you all go."
Whereas, over at Xbox360FanBoy Xav de Matos added a note of caution; "expect some rolling restarts as millions of gamers attempt to reconnect."

de Matos's warnings seem to have been well founded as a record number of [xbox] keyphrase terms have made Google's Hot Trends again today. [xbox live down again] entered the hot trend list at 8am GMT and was followed by [xbox live customer support number] and [xbox live customer support].

The speed at which Xbox keyphrases entered Google's Hot Trends is illustrative of just how quickly the digital generation will turn to the internet to resolve problems and the need for speedy communication from corporations today.

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The Kentucky List

Fri, 26 Sep 2008 12:00:00 GMT

Casinos and poker sites could have their domain names stripped from them as the State of Kentucky takes unilateral action against sites hosted outside Kentucky.

Steve Beshear, Governor of Kentucky, has won a Court Order to transfer 141 domain names to the Commonwealth of Kentucky.

Names on the list include FullTiltPoker.com, DoylesRoom.com and BodogLife.com. He described the online gaming sites as "leeches on our communities".

The online gaming industry has responded angrily. The Poker Players Alliance stated;"not only unduly restricts the freedom of Kentucky residents to play games of skill, such as poker, online, but sets a precedent for censorship of the internet by force."

Speaking at the popular online gaming conference CapEuro in Barcelona Pete Wilson from lawyers Blake Lapthorn gave the attendees a quick overview of the situation. It was noted that the law being enacted by Kentucky seemed only to refer to 'mechanical devices' although further legal study was needed.

In 2000 the domain registrar Network Solutions won a case against Umbro International in which the Virginia Supreme Court ruled that a domain name is a contract for services rather than a commodity. Wilson suggested, given the 2000 ruling, Beshear may find his court order impossible to enforce.

At the time of writing less than a dozen casino sites had come offline with hosts and registers such as GoDaddy yet to obey the Kentucky Court.

The court hearing in Kentucky to discuss the list has been delayed until Friday the 27th of September.

The Kentucky Derby, the famous horse racing event, is protected by US federal laws.

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Google Earth helps get gold

Thu, 28 Aug 2008 12:00:00 GMT

Here's a Google fan that's a true winner. Kristin Armstrong, one of the Olympic competitors that helped the Untied States finish with 36 gold medals this year, has revealed how she used Google Earth to map out her Beijing cycling route using a GPS to record elevation that helped propel her into Olympic victory.

While training in China in December 2007, the athlete used her husband's GPS to capture the various points of elevation on the route before returning home to Idaho and using Google Earth to map it out. Tracing the course from home, Armstrong then used the information to track down a similar route closer to home on which she could train.

Not only did Google Earth help her view the course from above, but Armstrong further touts its high points, enthusing that "It was also very nice to be able to show family members and friends the course from the excellent satellite views presented by Google Earth."

So it's official: Google aids family bonding.

Joking aside, it's clear that Google's Maps and Earth tools have proved invaluable for many people, not least Olympic athletes who happened to need a map for their award-winning bike race. The less Olympian of us can still experience the full potential of Google Maps, combining requests for such establishments as hairdressers and eateries and discover how to get to these places in the simplest way possible.

And with Google's 3D mapping tool, Google StreetView, having completed over a year's tenure in the US, planning travel routes has become easier than ever.

The interactive manner and design of Google StreetView is perfect for getting directions as its 3D photography duplicates the sensation of standing there in the street yourself. This means that users - particularly drivers - can feel much more confident about travelling to places they're unfamiliar with.

The popularity of Google Earth - even before StreetView boosted it further - is a worldwide phenomenon and it's hardly difficult to see why. Google's innovative software usually works a treat, is simple to use and allows you to see parts of the world that would've been impossible otherwise.

Best of all, StreetView will be appearing in the UK soon. Several weeks ago, a Google StreetView car snapped photos of starstruck bigmouths whilst on its travels and, despite controversy over privacy issues, we here at bigmouthmedia are looking forward to it.

So not only does Google stop you getting lost but it helps win gold medals. Now, if only Google could find a way to make it sunny in the UK, we'd all be happy.

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Google and Verizon in talks over a mobile search partnership

Tue, 26 Aug 2008 12:00:00 GMT

American telecommunications company Verizon Communications and search engine giant Google are currently in discussions over a mobile search partnership. The deal would see Google become the default search engine on all Verizon devices, giving Google access to a potential user base of 68 million.

As well as utilising Google's search engine as a default search page, rumours are also abound of the possibility that Verizon will place the Google search bar on the home screen of all its phones. It may also add Google to its web portal and FiOS TV service.

Research from Neilsen mobile reveals that out of the 36 million Verizon Wireless consumers, around 13.1 million search the web. The research also shows that around 3.8 million use the network to access a search engine such as Google or Yahoo - however, only 2.3 million use the Verizon branded search engine which is currently the main search tool on the company's phones.

Both Verizon and Google would benefit financially from the deal by sharing revenue from advertising that is tied to searches. The Wall Street Journal speculates that "Google wants closer integration with carriers like Verizon so it can enhance the relevance of the ads it shows - for example, by making them sensitive to a user's location".

The companies are currently negotiating how much information Google can retain about Verizon's customers and their searches, with rumours suggesting that the deal could be closed in the next few weeks.

However, relations haven't been as friendly between the two companies in recent months - Google previously filed a petition asking Verizon to pledge that it would commit to the open access rules set by the FCC after the company acquired a brand of spectrum at a 700MHz auction. Could this partnership mark the end of old rivalries and the start of a beautiful relationship? We'll just have to wait and see.

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Move Over USA; China Tops World Internet User Charts

Mon, 28 Jul 2008 12:00:00 GMT

Figures released by the China Internet Network Information Centre (CNNIC) have shown that China now has the largest number of internet users in the world. The report shows that more than 253 million people in China are now online, superseding the United States who declared 223 million internet users in a report in June.

Since records began to be kept of how many people were online, the United States has had the largest number of net-users in the world and the US net penetration stands at some 71 per cent of the population. Conversely, the internet has only managed to reach 19 percent in China, suggesting that it will eventually vastly outnumber the US, according to the BBC.

"This is the first time the number has drastically surpassed the United States, becoming the world's number one," said a statement from the CNNIC, the nation's official net monitoring body to the BBC.

The jump in numbers in China for net usage is remarkable, given that a similar report issued in January 2008 put the number of Chinese net-users at 210 million - a figure only reached due to a change in the CNNIC's definition of an internet user from "Chinese citizens aged 6 and above who averagely use the Internet at least one hour per week" to "Chinese citizens aged 6 and above who used the Internet in the last half year". The figures released by the CNNIC represent a 56 percent increase on the previous year and analysts predict that the figures will continue to grow by around 18 percent per year.

However, while China's population continues to embrace the World Wide Web, the country's internet economy still lags someway behind that of the US. Figures released by Analysys International intimated China's internet firms made combined revenues of $5.9billion in 2007 whereas the US combined internet revenue for the same period stood as $21.2billion. Despite this shortfall in Chinese internet revenue compared to the US, the Chinese search engine, Baidu, continued to flourish.

Partly aided by advertising sales surrounding the upcoming Beijing Olympics, Baidu recently posted an 87 percent increase in profits in the second quarter of 2008 whilst holding a market share in the Chinese search market of 63 percent. Nearest rival, Google holds 26% of the Chinese search market, while Yahoo! holds only 8 percent. Web browser and internet suite Opera recently made a huge step to increase its use on personal computers by partnering with Baidu.

A spokesman for Baidu also attributed the massive jump in revenue - which beat market forecasts - as being largely due to the positive reception of paid search by small and medium sized customers as well as larger enterprises embracing search engine marketing.

"The scalability of our business, aided by increasing numbers of large enterprise customers, helped Baidu post record results this quarter, despite some impact from the devastating earthquake in May," said chairman and chief executive Robin Li.

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