Google Introduces Voice Calls from Hangouts in India

Google has announced a new feature that will be available via the Hangouts app available for iOS and Android devices. Users will now be able to make international voice calls to phone numbers outside of India.

Using the Hangouts app for iOS (App Store Link) and Android (Google Play Link) as well as the web, users will now be able to make free calls to phone numbers in the US and Canada as well as to any other Hangouts users. Calls to any other regions are charged, but at really low rates.

This feature will be welcomed by millions of people in the country who most likely have a family member, friend or a relative currently living in US or Canada. Additionally, with the launch of Android One handsets in the country, Google is already pushing Android to the masses.

November 7, 2014 ✚ Permalink

Google ‘Hired’ a Camel to Take Its Street View Trekker Camera Through the Liwa Desert

In Google’s ongoing effort to ‘Street View’ some of the most incredible places on Earth, the company has pushed the limits of the 360-degree genre once again.

This time, Google set out to capture a panoramic view of the Liwa Desert in the United Arab Emirates, by strapping their Street View Trekker Camera onto the back of a willing camel

Heh.

October 10, 2014 ✚ Permalink

Google India Slammed with a Rs. 76 Crore Penalty by the IT Dept

Apurva Chaudhary for MediaNama:

[…] the tax office has refused to back down on the penalty after listening to the company’s explanation and interacting with its auditor, SR Batliboi & Associates. The authorities have said that Google India misled the authorities, deflated its income, violated accounting rules laid down by the chartered accountants’ institute and also reported incorrect revenues in order to avoid being subjected to transfer pricing adjustments with respect to its international transactions.

November 14, 2012 ✚ Permalink

A Look Inside Google’s Data centers

Google is offering a fascinating look inside all of its datacenters, which house the bulk of all the data that the search and email giant possesses.

For the first time, we’re giving everyone a glimpse into where we run our products. Now you can take a virtual tour of one of our data centers in Street View. Or browse photo albums of the technology, people, and places that keep Google’s products running.

There are some incredible photos and a ton of insight about what goes on in their datacenter. I love the way the pipes are colored in some and the locations Google has chosen for some of these.

October 17, 2012 ✚ Permalink