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Google’s new look likely to increase profits

We’ve been noticing it for some time, but it now seems that Google’s new look is being pushed out to more and more users for testing. Over the last week or so, this number appears to have increased dramatically, suggesting a full launch could be imminent. Some of the subtle changes by Google could have big effects on web marketing, Google’s profits and the fortunes of start-up search engines . The new look includes a left hand, side bar navigation with icon and text links to images, video, maps etc. as well as links to other things that are usually hidden under a single plus sign and “Show options…” text - for example, the Wonder Wheel, sites with images and time filters (’past 2 days’, etc.) Related searches have not been moved but have more prominence, due to the removal of the light blue bar at the top of the page. This provides a cleaner look to the page and draws the user’s eye straight to the paid advertising and search results. It also means a larger number of results can be seen ‘above the fold.’ Showing more results at the top of a page could make a big difference to marketing efforts.

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Google’s new look likely to increase profits

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Google acquires 3D desktop software for Chrome OS

Adding to its ever-growing portfolio of acquisitions, Google has bought one of the most talked-about technology start-ups in Canada - makers of 3D desktop organising software that the Mountain View giant may be looking to utilise in its Chrome operating system. BumpTop allows users to convert the traditional desktop into a 3D environment in which files, photos and documents can be stacked and sorted, rather than simply laid out side-by-side. The Vancouver Sun reports that the software was originally developed as part of student (later Bump Technologies Inc. CEO) Anand Agarawala’s master’s thesis at the University of Toronto, and aims to recreate the experience of stacking books and folders on a physical desktop. Both companies are keeping tight-lipped about the deal, which is believed to have cost Google between $25 million and $35 million (

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Google invests £3.6 million in university research projects

Google has announced it is increasing funding for university projects, financing research into areas that can benefit search engine technology. NYTimes.com reports that the Mountain View giant previously offered typical grants of around $50,000 (

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Web founder launches Data.gov in the UK

A new website created by the inventor of the World Wide Web offers free public access to government data - including information on crime rates, house prices, local services and school Ofsted reports. Data.gov.uk was developed by Sir Tim Berners-Lee to empower the public with access to non-personal government information. The web founder explained: “Making public data available for re-use is about increasing accountability and transparency and letting people create new, innovative ways of using it.

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Web founder launches Data.gov in the UK

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Facebook hit by Canadian privacy law

Following a complaint made by students from the University of Ottawa at the beginning of June, Facebook has been criticised by a new report looking into its privacy settings. The report - headed by Canadian privacy commissioner Jennifer Stoddart - says that Facebook is breaching Canadian law by holding personal information of its users indefinitely, even if they have cancelled their account with the site. Canadian law states that organisations must only keep personal information for as long as it is necessary to meet appropriate purposes.

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Facebook hit by Canadian privacy law