Google Launches MVNO Network in Spain
In an effort to provide Google employees with a more cost effective network, Google has begun to oporate as a mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) in Spain. Normally an MVNO would set up agreements with carriers to use their network and charge consumer for access, creating revenue by not having their own network to maintain and operate. In Google’s case, this just seems to be a better way to handle international costs for their employees. However Google has been trying to launch this type of service for some time, and the original idea behind the Nexus One was to function on this type of network barring carriers all together.
We reported that Google was in talks to purchase Sprint, and this might be even more proof that Google is looking to get into the service provider game. Google tends to test everything in house before releasing it to consumers, could these employees be doing just that?
Of course this is all speculation. Until Google does anything domestically we can take them at their word that this is for international cost management and nothing else.
via [Slashgear]
Google adds multiple sign-in for mobile Gmail
Taking a queue from the desktop counter part, Google has added the multiple sign-in ability to Gmail on mobile now. They also added some new features like mobile-specific signature and vacation auto-responder. Head on over the Gmail Blog for all the details!
Google+ Released Publicly and has Several Improvements
Today Google let their Plus service go invite free and available to anyone with a Google account. Now, we will get to see what kind of real competition they give Facebook and Twitter. Along with going live, Google added several new features, which is kind of ironic being they are going public with it. Hopefully the new features will be working solid.
One of the largest additions is the option to do a Hangout on phones, running Android 2.3+ and is said to be coming to iOS and others very soon. Hangouts on Air is a new feature that lets you broadcast your Hangout to up to nine people. Hangouts can be named now, screen sharing is added, sketchpad sharing and the option to view a Google Docs document.
Search has also been improved, now Google Plus profiles will pull up. API’s for Hangout have been released, so now maybe we will see some cool apps incorporate the service. Google is pushing their social network to not fail this time around and from what we can tell they are heading in the right direction.
(via Google Blog)
Google Wallet Begins it’s Launch with First Device
Google told us about their plans for Google Wallet not to long ago and now today they have officially launched the service on the first device, the Nexus S 4G on Sprint. The update will come via over the air for users to install.
The first card to work out of the gate is MasterCard, then Visa, American Express, and Discover have made their specifications available so that their services will be enabled on future versions of Google Wallet. Payment consoles are already popping up in New York City and San Francisco so this is a giant step. With this system out in the open now, we should see more options and updates coming to allow these type of payments coming.
Will this service really keep you from carrying a wallet? Probably not, but it certainly could make paying for something a lot quicker rather than pulling out your wallet and hunting for a card. Now we shall see if the option to pay with your phone really catches on. With recent rumors of the newest iPhone coming with NFC payments maybe this will take off really fast. What do you think?
(via Android Community)
The Gadget Gurus Podcast Ep 129 – /facepalm
This week Nic scoops up a Macbook Pro and gives us a list of Pros and Cons, Yahoo Fires CEO, Google buys Zagat, the iPhone 5 coming to Sprint, and more!
Make sure you download The Gadget Gurus App available on Android and iOS!!!
Want to get in touch with the Gurus? Leave us a voicemail at 805-69-GURUS or send us an email at podcast@thegadgetgurus.net
