Google finally has a way of generating revenue without ads...

jesusphreak

It looks like the long-rumored "Google Wallet" is real

This is both good for Google - they will finally have a great source of revenue outside of ads, and good for the consumer - as this will no doubt become extremely popular.

jesusphreak

I actually wrote about it on my new blog I'm starting. Tell me what you guys think of my writing.

The importance of Google Wallet

Thanks

jesusphreak

They edited the page.

Original

Kosmo

jesus: I'm not trying to insult your journalistic skills, but your blog entry was not objective at all, it wasn't that informative and sounded like biased Google hype. BUT nonetheless it was an interesting read, especially since I didn't know anything about Google Wallet or anything like that, a good look on web ADs too, even if it didn't go that deep.

Minisweeper

I'll admit your blog entry was a little biased towards google - but i think your actual writing style is very appropriate for the blog world. Maybe it just needs a little more backup next time round. Interesting read though.

jesusphreak

Heh, it is funny that you guys say that it sounded like it is biased towards Google (I'll admit it does) - I'm actually in general pretty negative towards Google. I guess one entry can create the wrong impression, though, with nothing else to back it on.

Kosmo

Well, Google is no Lussumo, but it's not completely bad. Besides, taken in comparision most of that size companies are not one bit likeable, so Google has done something right.

lech

It all depends on what you consider good or bad, frankly, it's all up to the end user to make the final decision on whether they wish to use or not use any given service. The same goes with Vanilla or any other product out there, physical or in the form of a program. I don't directly see the importance of google wallet for myself, but I guess only time will tell.

dknowles

what has google done that's bad?

lech

David, If you think about it, in terms of personal information if you have an account, google knows just about anything about you (providing you've given them true info). From your searching habits (if you use google a lot) to your mail (for gmail users). Some people don't like that idae and are huge privacy nutjobs. Given that people are entitled to some privacy, however I don't see it as a problem, it's about as confidential as any other ISP serverice. So either we're very trusting or very gullible.

jesusphreak

What scares me most is Google supports governments like China which restrict Internet access. They'd rather do what is wrong rather than lose business in the country. Its scary thinking that Google has all that info, yet they are in bed with organizations such as the Chinese gov.

Krak

They sell their search engine out to companies. Theres also some news about Google and AOL. I think it has to do with using Googles search on AOLs network or something. If AOL and Google merge or become partners in any way... that sucks. AOL has the amazing ability to taint whatever it touches.

lech

I want to say it could be the other way around. Say if google snags AIM, dozens of good things can come out of that. Mainly freeing up the protocol and who knows, maybe open sourcing it to some degree. But yeah, AOL can fuck up just about any good thing.

Obi

I love Google :) But I hate thier new RSS reader. (it's shite)

jesusphreak

Yeah, the new RSS reader really is crap. Infact, a lot of their new stuff really isn't up to par with everything else.

Grep

I've installed three of the Google search appliances on clients networks now while i've been upgrading their intranets and I have to say it's brilliant - google for your network there's nothing else like it on the market if you have to index a 20,000 page intranet with multiple data sources.

dknowles

I think the privacy issue is pretty moot. Using any service on the internet, you pretty much have to give out some bit of private information. I think it boils down to who you trust with that information. I think, historically, google has a good track record with that sort of thing. Some may disagree, and if you do...you're welcome to use another service.

I agree the China thing is a bit scary. However, for Google as a company, it's a good move (IMO). China is the next big world power, so Google is looking ahead and getting in good with our new overlords. But seriously, I'd have to say that Google being in China is a good thing overall. Bringing internet into China will eventually open them up. It's impossible to completely censor the internet, and although I'm sure Google makes some concessions as to filtering some search items, there's still plenty that gets left in. And, seriously, from a business standpoint...it's quite the untapped market. Overall, though, I would have to agree that's a sketchy situation.

The AOL thing is weird. I would hope that it's some sort of content partnership and not google looking to actually buy AOL. The media seems to up-play everything Google does, so it wouldn't surprise me if most of the rumors are just fluff.

The RSS reader is beta. I was honestly surprised to see it come out so soon. But I think the "release early, release often" philosophy really shines in that arena.

I'd also like to point out that my opinions don't neccessarily reflect the opinions of my employer. I'm just encouraging discussion here.

bugsmi0

I've heard many bad things about google's checkout system, its got bug infestation he he I hope google is better than paypal but apparently people are willing to switch back to paypal because the google is not working as expected. re: in bed with other countries, get use to it, the internet like the television was not invented for people's entertainment, it was invented for big business to get your $$$, as for small biz trying to get their take on the web you can forget that too because eventually only the big biz will be thriving because they will own everything including the internet. Its already happening. I'm sure Yahoo will be buy out Google someday or perhaps Bill Gates will buy both he can afford it. He's just waiting until the greed sits in deeper lol

prince_of_oreon

E-Bay is on a rampage kicking third-party payment sources. So all I have to say is good luck. Too little, too late I won't be switching.

Besides this, Google's brand is based on Search. When anyone thinks of Google they think of search. When I think of the term "Google Wallet" mental conjectures of a guy frantically looking for his wallet arise in my mind. I don't want to be searching for my money.

Dinoboff

lol

Bergamot

As far as the "Google in China" issue goes, the choice Google had was between:

1. China blocks some Google pages

and

2. China blocks *all* Google pages

Given those options, I think they made the right decision. It goes without saying that the real culprit is the opressive Chinese government, not the people and corporations they bully into submission.

the internet like the television was not invented for people's entertainment, it was invented for big business to get your $$$

Funny, here all this time I thought it was invented to create a decentralized network between major university and military computers.

as for small biz trying to get their take on the web you can forget that too because eventually only the big biz will be thriving because they will own everything including the internet.

I guess that's why bandwidth and hosting costs are at an all time low, and home broadband speeds keep rising. Pretty soon, the costs of running a major site will be so low, only the mega-rich will be able to afford it.

I'm sure Yahoo will be buy out Google someday

I find the reverse to be a whole lot more plausible.

perhaps Bill Gates will buy both he can afford it. He's just waiting until the greed sits in deeper lol

First, I don't get the impression that Bill Gates is a terribly greedy person.

Second, if he *did* have a burning desire to own a bunch of shares of Google or Yahoo stock, I think he would have bought them already.