The problem with this is, internet is expanding like crazy. When Google was a novice, internet meant World Wide Web. It is all about websites and how computers talk to, well, other computers.
So, Google expanded from search into maps, mail, docs, browser, operating system... basically anything that involves computer.
Then smartphones joined the internet, Google created Android... then there is the talk of smart grid being part of the internet, Google created smart meters. Healthcare is poised to connect to internet, Google created Google Health.
Internet soon will be a connection of a trillion devices, up from a couple of billion devices currently and Google is doing all it can to keep up with this blow out and to "maintain as big a foot print as possible".
Its latest focus is rather interesting, cars. Yes, Google is designing cars that drive themselves. It already test drove them for 140,000 miles in California. Can anyone guess why Google is so interested in cars?
No, its not trying to get into automobile manufacturing just to expand its business and diversify.
Answer: Google is still sticking to its motto of keeping the biggest footprint on the internet, which now has cars connected to it. So, Google wants you to spend time on internet rather than drive a car. It says, I'll get you a driver-less car, you go on the internet and click some ads.
Way to go Google! I have never seen a company so clear and passionate about its motto!! I am your biggest fan!!
The logic makes sense, but the reality is that people are probably simply not comfortable with a car that drives itself. Perhaps its because of our fundamental belief that we are better than we actually are, but the thought of legislation passing that allows these automated cars in the next five years seems weak. Another company would likely have figured out how to do this, and Google could have invested their money elsewhere. Especially when you consider their tradition of giving technology away, they are not going to directly monetize the product anyway.
ReplyDeleteYep! I don't see this happening in the next decade. The thought of cars driving themselves is pretty scary. Reminds me of I, Robot :-)
ReplyDeleteI agree, the logic does make sense. I'd like to know what is Google's impetus for the research program. I do not believe it is to allow for a person in a driver less car to click online ads.
ReplyDeleteThe article talks about Google revolutionizing the automobile. The experiment worked. And coupled with the smart city concept, I see this happening (probably many yearsaway). It has the potential to reduce street congestion and energy consumption.
Prof. Venkat spoke about IT leaders having the vision and ability to identify and connect weak areas. Google obviously has a long term vision and is willing to spend the funds to make connections.