Alphabet Google Giveth and Taketh Away
February 9, 2016
Folks are buzzing because there is a new head of Google search. You can read the news in “Head of Google Search Retires, Artificial Intelligence Chief to Take Over.”
None of the write ups I have scanned point out that the Google system since 2001 has been essentially tweaked, not changed. Search improvements have been like plastic wrappers swathing the clever girl’s algorithms.
The 2001 era system was also easy to spoof, rooted in the now archaic paradigm of boat anchor computers, big monitors, and non-touch technologies. And my favorite: Search engine optimization and the death of relevance.
So count ‘em. 2001 to 2016. That works out to 15 years. Wonder why search is less and less relevant? Perhaps the world view of Google’s search and retrieval system is as relevant as a zoot suit in downtown San Jose.
The more significant items in my opinion are that Google is back in the killing features business. Check out “Google Earth Traffic Layer Dropper.” The write up points out:
Google Maps still has live traffic information, which shows as different colors on the route when you ask for directions as seen below, so it is evident that Google still has the information.
Good news? Maybe. Google just does stuff. Makes sense. Take action and move forward.
The other announcement struck me as straight out of Europe’s medieval period. I read “Google Fiber Plan to Give Free Internet to the Poor.” Interesting idea. The Alphabet Google thing is helping out folks so these individuals can take advantage of Google’s smart services and products.
Droit du seigneur is alive and well.
Smart software, capricious actions, and helping out the folks who lack some resources. The world’s most valuable company is evolving. Left out in the cold? Hmm. Too bad.
Stephen E Arnold, February 8, 2016
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