Google officially introduces online storage service dubbed “Google Drive”

Following months of rumors, Google today officially unveiled its own cloud storage service, which is dubbed "Google Drive." Google Drive will give users 5 GB of storage space for free, allowing them to store any files they'd like on the cloud and access them on a wide variety of platforms, including:

• Windows and Mac OS X
• Android
• iOS app coming soon
• Web

• Create and collaborate. Google Docs is built right into Google Drive, so you can work with others in real time on documents, spreadsheets and presentations. Once you choose to share content with others, you can add and reply to comments on anything (PDF, image, video file, etc.) and receive notifications when other people comment on shared items.
• Store everything safely and access it anywhere (especially while on the go). All your stuff is just... there. You can access your stuff from anywhere—on the web, in your home, at the office, while running errands and from all of your devices. You can install Drive on your Mac or PC and can download the Drive app to your Android phone or tablet. We’re also working hard on a Drive app for your iOS devices. And regardless of platform, blind users can access Drive with a screen reader.
• Search everything. Search by keyword and filter by file type, owner and more. Drive can even recognize text in scanned documents using Optical Character Recognition (OCR) technology. Let’s say you upload a scanned image of an old newspaper clipping. You can search for a word from the text of the actual article. We also use image recognition so that if you drag and drop photos from your Grand Canyon trip into Drive, you can later search for [grand canyon] and photos of its gorges should pop up. This technology is still in its early stages, and we expect it to get better over time.

Other storage option plans include:

• 25GB for $2.49/month
• 100GB for $4.99/month
• 1TB for $49.99/month

Google Drive has also been integrated directly into several Google products, including Google+. Gmail integration will be coming soon.

Google announces next set of product shutdowns: Google Sync for BlackBerry included

Friday, Google announced its next set of planned product shutdowns as an attempt to centralize its offering and combine certain services. Over the past year, Google has slowly been shutting down a number of products, most notable of which are Google Buzz, Google Wave, and Picnik.

This set of closings includes Google Sync for the BlackBerry platform, Google Related, and Google Flu Vaccine Finder. In addition, the web giant will be making a number of changes to its API offering to developers, including deprecating some and changing other policies.

A full description of all services being axed is below:

• We are making a number of API changes, adopting a one-year deprecation policy for certain APIs and removing the deprecation policy for others. Additionally, we are retiring some old APIs with limited usage. We have also updated the deprecation policy for all APIs to be much clearer and more concise. Please see the Developers Blog for more information.
• Google Flu Vaccine Finder was a maps mash-up that showed nearby vaccination places across the United States, built by a small 20 percent team during the 2009 H1N1 pandemic when there was a dire need for fast and accurate data on flu vaccination locations. Google Flu Vaccine Finder is now retired, but we’re pleased to pass the baton to the experienced team atHealthMap as they launch HealthMap Flu Vaccine Finder.
• Google Related is an experimental browsing assistant launched to help people find interesting and useful information while they browse the web. The product isn’t experiencing the kind of adoption we’d like, and while we still believe in the value provided to our users, we’ll be retiring the existing product over the next few weeks, so the Related team can focus on creating more magic moments across other Google products.
• Beginning June 1, 2012, we’re ending our support for Google Sync for BlackBerry. If you already have the app installed, you’ll still be able to use it; however it will not be available for download after June 1. If you currently use Google Sync for BlackBerry, we encourage you to switch to BlackBerry Internet Service (BIS) or the Google Apps Connector for BlackBerry Enterprise Servergoing forward. These alternatives offer a better overall experience, as you can sync your email messages, calendar and contacts through a single service.
• We’re shutting down the mobile web app for Google Talk. For mobile users who want to continue using Google Talk, we recommend using the native Google Talk app on Android or any XMPP-compliant apps on other mobile platforms.
• One Pass, our payment platform for online news publishers, has been shut down. We are working with existing partners to make the transition from One Pass to other platforms, including Google Consumer Surveys. While One Pass is going away, we will continue working with publishers to build new tools.
• We're redirecting the old Patent Search homepage to google.com to make sure everyone is getting the best possible experience for their patent searches. Over the past few months, we've been making updates and improvements to the Patent Search functionality on google.com—not only are you able to search the same set of U.S. patents with the same advanced search options, the new experience loads twice as fast as the old Patent Search homepage, contributes to a unified search experience across Google, and sports Google Doodles as well. The team looks forward to including patents from other countries soon, and will be rolling out additional features to Patent Search on google.com in the future.
• We launched a WINE-based version of Picasa for Linux in 2006 as a Google Labs project. As we continue to enhance Picasa, it has become difficult to maintain parity on the Linux version. So today, we’re deprecating Picasa for Linux and will not be maintaining it moving forward. Users who have downloaded and installed older versions of Picasa for Linux can continue to use them, though we won’t be making any further updates.
• Starting today, the Picasa Web Albums Uploader for Mac and Picasa Web Albums Plugin for iPhoto will no longer be available for download. People can continue to use the uploader and plugin if they are installed. However, we’ll no longer maintain these tools. We strongly encourage people to download Picasa 3.9 for Mac, which includes upload and iPhoto import features.

Google Drive interface leaked in presentation by Google employee; to replace Google Docs?

The past several days have been filled with rumors regarding "Google Drive," a long-awaited and heavily rumored cloud service from Google that would essentially allow users to place their files onto the cloud, and access them from any Internet connected device. Recent rumors claim that the service could be launching as soon as next week, and offer users with 5 GB of free storage space.

Today, Mashable posted a picture it obtained from a person in Brazil who was present at a keynote being given by a Google employee. The report says that the employee accessed his presentation from Google Drive, as seen by the highlighted "Drive" text in the Google toolbar. The Drive text resides in between "Calendar" and "Sites" on the Google Bar, and it should be noted that this is in the same area where the current "Documents" link is. This has led to speculation that Google will be removing Docs as a separate service and integrating it into Drive, but it should be noted that the URL seen in the picture taken still points to a docs.google.com address.

“Some friends and I were watching a seminar with a Google employee called João Itaqui (Google Enterprise director in Brazil) here at Universidade Feevale (Feevale University) in Novo Hamburgo, RS — Brazil when we noticed he had an option called “Drive” in his Google toolbar.” says Moschetta. “I think he, as a senior employee, has early access to Google Drive before public announcement or release.”

We'll keep you posted with any further developments.

[UPDATE] Google “investigating reports” of widespread Gmail outage this afternoon

Over the past hour or so, frustrated Gmail users have gone to Twitter to reveal what appears to be widespread Gmail outages. Users attempting to access their Gmail account(s) are seeing "Temporary Error (500)" messages, and are asked to try logging in again later. Google has revealed via the Apps Status Dashboard that it is currently "investigating reports of an issue with Google Mail," but didn't give specific details.

We'll keep you posted as more information comes in.

UPDATE: Google has provided an update via the Apps Status Dashboard, stating that this issue is affecting less than 2% of Gmail users. In addition, service is already being restored to those users, and will continue over the next several hours.

Report: Google Drive set to launch sometime next week

According to several reports over the past 24 hours, Google's long-awaited cloud storage service will be launching sometime in the middle of next week. The service, dubbed "Google Drive," will give users 5 GB of free storage space in the cloud, and presumably offer more space for a fee. Drive will certainly be a direct competitor to Dropbox, which only offers 2 GB of free space to users.

It's unclear at this time, however, how Google Drive will integrate into Mac OS X and Windows. It is expected to be in the form of "desktop folders," which is easier to integrate on Windows than on OS X.

Google Drive is expected to launch on Tuesday of next week at http://drive.google.com.

Sprint to launch Samsung Galaxy Nexus on April 22

Sprint announced earlier today that the Samsung Galaxy Nexus 4G LTE smartphone will be launching on its network on April 22, 2012. The phone, which will cost $199.99 with a new two-year contract, can be pre-ordered from Sprint's website beginning today.

The Samsung Galaxy Nexus has the following features:

• 1.2 GHz dual-core processor
• 4.65-inch HD Super AMOLED
• Android OS 4.0 (a.k.a. "Ice Cream Sandwich")
• 5-megapixel rear-facing camera and a 1.3-megapixel front-facing camera
• Google Wallet support

Google reports Q1 2012 financial earnings – $10.65 billion revenue

Today, Google reported its financial results for the first quarter of 2012, announcing a revenue of $10.65 billion, beating analyst expectations by a wide margin. As far as profit goes, Google reported a solid $8.14 billion in that category, right in target with previous expectations.

In addition, the web giant also unveiled plans to create a non-voting capital stock that will essentially create a 2-for-1 split. The new stock, class C, will also be traded under a separate ticker on NASDAQ.

“Google had another great quarter with revenues up 24% year on year,” said Larry Page, CEO of Google.  “We also saw tremendous momentum from the big bets we’ve made in products like Android, Chrome and YouTube. We are still at the very early stages of what technology can do to improve people’s lives and we have enormous opportunities ahead.  It is a very exciting time to be at Google.”

Google rolls out redesigned and overhauled Google+

Today, Google announced the rollout of a completely redesigned and overhauled version of its social network, Google+, which will soon be approaching its first birthday. Changes on the new version of Google+ include:

• Dynamic navigation on the left that allows dragging of apps up and down
• Improvements to photos, videos
• Improvements to conversation views, threads, and activity viewing
• More importance on the "Hangouts" feature, which allows for group video chatting

Google introduces ability to view tabs open on other devices in Chrome

Today, Google announced that it has begun integrating a new feature into the beta version of Chrome that will allow users to view tabs that are open in the web browser on other computers or devices from anywhere. When using the "Sign in to Chrome" feature inside the web browser, any tabs you have open on a computer at home, for example, can be accessed on a computer at work. The feature will be available via the recently redesigned New Tab page by clicking the "Other devices" link at the bottom.

At this time, it's unclear when this feature will be integrated into the stable version of Chrome.

Google Doodle celebrates birthday of Eadweard J. Muybridge

Today's Google Doodle, a special logo on the homepage of Google, celebrates the 182nd birthday of Eadweard J. Muybridge, who is accredited as being the father of motion photography. The Doodle will animate upon clicking the play button, and using motion photography, will display a person riding on a horse as if it would be a video. Certain tiles of pictures are colored using the same red, blue, green, and yellow colors found in Google's normal logo.

Google CEO: Steve Jobs’s public hatred of Android was “for show”

Google co-founder and CEO Larry Page sat down for an interview with Bloomberg Businessweek yesterday, and addressed the topic of Apple and late Steve Jobs's very public hatred of the Android OS mobile platform. Page stated that the hatred is/was all "for show," and was only created by Apple to "rally" its employees.

Page states:

Google unveils “Project Glass”

Google has unveiled a new project that it has begun working on, dubbed "Project Glasses." It has begun asking for people's feedback on what they want to see in heads up display glasses, which is something similar to the things found in old science-fiction movies. The company has revealed that the glasses run a version of Android OS, and will be for sale sometime later this year for the cost of a smartphone.

Google’s upcoming Nexus Tablet leaked in image?

PocketNow has posted an image of what it claims to be promotional materials for the long-rumored and long-expected Google-branded Nexus Tablet. The image lines up with previous rumors about the tablet: a 7-inch display, microSD card slot, SD card slot, and micro HDMI port. The photo, however, seems to have been rendered before Google's massive rebranding of the Android Market to Google Play.

In addition, the tablet pictured above is running Android OS 4.0 (a.k.a. "Ice Cream Sandwich") with a relatively base user interface. This further supports that this is indeed a Google-branded tablet.

An announcement could be coming from the web giant as soon as late June.

Oracle versus Google trial set to begin April 16

Following nearly two years of adjusting and discussing a lawsuit, the Oracle versus Google case will finally be going to trial on April 16, according to ZDNet. Oracle claims that Google has stolen Java code in its Android OS platform, and if this is proven to be true, Oracle could be expecting a pretty hefty check from Google.

Last week, Magistrate Judge Paul S. Grewal asked both parties to give settlement talks another chance, with a decision required by April 9. Even though they had another week, it must have been clear that a settlement just isn’t in the cards.

Google did propose an offer that included a cut of Android’s revenue stream through 2018, which was a stipulation for damages if (and only if) Oracle prevails on patent infringement.

Grewal — the same judge who presided over similarly failed settlement talks last fall — issued a memo on Monday explained that “the parties have reached an irreconcilable impasse in their settlement discussions with the undersigned,” and that “no further conferences shall be convened.”

iOS and Android suffer losses in market share, while BlackBerry goes up in March

Today, analytics company Net Applications released statistical data for mobile operating system usage in the month of March, revealing a pretty interesting turn of events: both iOS and Android lost some market share, while Research in Motion's BlackBerry platform actually gained a little.

iOS' market share dipped down to 59.87% in March from the 60.59% it controlled in February. Android OS from 19.02% to 18.66% in the same time frame as well. On the other hand, BlackBerry OS went from 2.15% in February to 2.21% in March. While it's still far off from iOS and Android (and it was a very small gain), any gain certainly helps the struggling Research in Motion.

Leaked Google Drive document shows 5 GB of free storage space

As we move closer to the rumored launch of Google's online file storage system, leaks and further information are beginning to pop up daily. The service, which will be dubbed "Google Drive" according to reports, will give users 5 GB of free storage space in the cloud, according to a document obtained by TalkAndroid. It was previously rumored that Google would be giving customers only 1 GB of space.

In addition, the image confirms previous rumors that stated the service will be accessible from a variety of Internet-connected devices, including computers, smartphones, and tablets.

At this time, the service is expected to be announced sometime in the next three weeks.

Google’s April Fool’s Day Joke: 8-bit Google Maps

In the past, Google has been known for playing one or two April Fool's Day jokes on the Internet, and this year doesn't appear to be any different. To celebrate the April 1 holiday, Google has launched an 8-bit version of Google Maps that has been designed for viewing on Nintendo NES devices.

With Google Maps 8-bit, you can do all the things you already do on regular Google Maps. Search for famous landmarks and sites around the world. Take an epic journey with 8-bit Street View. Get detailed directions to avoid dangerous paths, and battle your way through a world of powerful monsters and mystic treasures.

Google’s April Fool’s Day Joke: The YouTube Collection

In the past, Google has been known for playing one or two April Fool's Day jokes on the Internet, and this year doesn't appear to be any different. To celebrate the April 1 holiday, Google has launched "The YouTube Collection," which allows people to order popular videos on YouTube in DVD form. Of course, it's not a real thing though.

Clicking the "Order Now" button will bring you through the normal steps of ordering a product (and allows you to choose what topic of videos you'd like). Once you get to the final screen, Google lays down the "Happy April Fool's" and gives you a whopping $200,000 check for the videos.

Let us know if you find any other April Fool's Day jokes around the Internet.

Google puts blind man inside one of its self-driving cars

Google announced its self-driving car project back in October of 2010 and since then, the web giant has been working on developing and improving the system. The cars use video cameras, radar sensors, and a laser range finder to paint a picture of the surrounding area and navigate through traffic. The project has been ongoing at both Google's Mountain View Campus and road tests are beginning in Nevada.

Yesterday, Google posted a video to YouTube of an experiment is conduced with the self-driving cards - placing a blind man in the driver's seat and seeing how the experience goes.

We announced our self-driving car project in 2010 to make driving safer, more enjoyable, and more efficient. Having safely completed over 200,000 miles of computer-led driving, we wanted to share one of our favorite moments. Here's Steve, who joined us for a special drive on a carefully programmed route to experience being behind the wheel in a whole new way. We organized this test as a technical experiment, but we think it's also a promising look at what autonomous technology may one day deliver if rigorous technology and safety standards can be met.

It's truly remarkable to see how far the project has come already, and thinking about the possible future uses of these self-driving cars.

Android OS 4.0.4 begins being pushed to Nexus S, Xoom Wi-Fi and Galaxy Nexus

Google announced via the official Android Google+ account today that it has begun pushing out the Android OS 4.0.4 software update to the Nexus S, Xoom Wi-Fi tablet, and Samsung Galaxy Nexus. The update, which will also be available to other devices in the coming weeks, will be the first update to Android OS 4.0 (a.k.a. "Ice Cream Sandwich") for a number of handsets. It will also contain bug fixes for existing Ice Cream Sandwich users.

Bug fixes included in Android OS 4.0.4:

• Stability improvements
• Better camera performance
• Smoother screen rotation
• Improved phone number recognition
• More