In 2007, designers from multiple Google products put together a set of unified redesign proposals code-named Kanna (Icelandic, meaning to explore, examine or investigate) that was never released.
Among other reasons, the designers think Kanna failed because they presented then-CEO Eric Schmidt and other leaders with a set of four different concepts, with themes like making Google more like desktop clients, or differentiating products by color. It sounded like there were too many options and not enough conviction.
AllThingsD How Google’s Designers Got the Company on the Same Page
Like Dropbox, Google’s storage service, called Drive, is a response to the growth of Internet-connected mobile devices like smartphones and tablets and the rise of “cloud computing,” or storing files online so that they can be retrieved from multiple devices.
WSJ: Google Near Launch of Cloud Storage Service
So why the incredibly wide range in Android screen sizes? What we in fact are seeing is a classic case of unintended consequences. In this case, the consequences of a wide ecosystem coupled with some of Android’s more user-friendly design decisions.
Stephanie Rieger: The ‘trouble’ with Android
Last year, when I read that Google Wave was going to change my business, career and life, I must admit I was moderately excited. I totally didn’t get the ins-and-outs of it, but that’s very often the way. In fact I fully expected it to have very little impact on my life at first–systems that have something to do with users interacting often need to cross a certain adoption threshold before they have any real use or impact. For example, the appeal of Facebook only increases as its population rises, as you’re increasingly likely to find other users with whom you’d want to interact. Of course, therein lies a spectacular Catch-22. All such things must start small, but, if they’re no good until they’re big, how do you persuade people to join in?
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According to an Accredited Supplier poll, Microsoft is losing their grip on the UK small business market under increasing pressure from cloud computing and open source software. Accredited Suppliers poll of 1400 Microsoft customers, all small businesses in the UK, has raised concerns over Microsofts future in this market segment.
Accredited Supplier: Microsoft Loses Grip On UK Small Business Market Says New Poll
Angry residents in Milton Keynes blocked the driver of a Google Street View car when he started taking photographs of their homes.
BBC News: Residents challenge Google camera
In this user’s experience, BlackBerry and Gmail seem to get on well. Really well, in fact. Maybe even a little too well. Can I smell some kind of alliance? I know we’re still supposed to be all excited about iPhone right now, but it has me thinking.
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No one wastes time searching for a purpose at Marissa Mayer’s meetings – even five-minute gatherings must have a clear agenda
Business Week: How to Run a Meeting Like Google