Another exciting week in the company that doesn’t sleep.
Have you heard about Google DocVerse? As cool as Google docs is, it does have its limitations. Google has acquired DocVerse, as a way for Microsoft Office users to use their copy of Office to work with their Google docs. So with DocVerse, you can edit in Office, and then sync the documents to the cloud. It’s pretty cool and works amazingly well. While this is clearly the smart move from Google, it’s also generally seen as their latest poke at Microsoft.
Google has also taken a cool feature away from Apple’s iPhone by purchasing and open sourcing reMail, a popular app that brings email to your iPhone with advanced search functionality, offline freedom and blazing speed. The app got pulled from the store, so it seems likely that Google wanted the developer, not the profit. My guess? We’ll see the functionality worked into Chrome OS and Android. I think the offline functionality is the attracting feature for these purposes.
While we’re on that topic, it looks like Google has also acquired Picnik. I didn’t understand this move at first, but Gina Trapani pointed out in this week’s TWiG, that Picnik will give Google bragging rights with an online based photo editor on Google Chrome.
Thanks Lee. I might try to make that meeting.
Ha. Well, if Google bought Sony, it could only be good for Sony. I’d hope that it staid away from Intel though. And thankfully, Google has thus far tended to stay on the soft side of things. Even in designing the Nexus One, they contracted out the manufacturing.
While Google reminds me of several aggressive companies, I suppose I have a different view of their motives. Don’t get me wrong. I don’t trust Google for a minute; especially since Eric Schmidt lodged his foot so far into his mouth. But I do see Google as slightly less devious than some do. Mainly because I know a lot of good people there doing good things, and I see the motivations behind a lot of Google’s dealings. Things really aren’t always as they seem at first glance. That’s one of the reasons I love watching Google.
A healthy respect and a watchful eye is the best way to approach Google.
You’re right, Tim – the company that never sleeps seems to be up to more and more each week.
Think Google could end up with Sony!?!! Or Intel!?!! This somewhat fantastic but nevertheless ‘real’ partnership is now making news about putting its Web service onto your home television (among other things).
But, TV or no, does the Google acquisition strategy remind you of any other company? 😉
Like you say, an interesting week for an interesting company.
If anyone wants to know more about Google, straight from the horse’s mouth as it were, a couple of Google execs will be at the next MobileMonday meeting.