Google is 25years old today- half a century around the sun, or the world wide web. Haha.
In a statement. Google said when it was launched in 1998, “our ambition was to create a search engine that would help people make sense of the information they find online — and that’s still true today. But over the past 25 years, Google has become more than a search engine: Today we map the world, bring AI into everyday tools and help people gain skills in digital careers, among other things.”
Google has evolved from being a search engine to an ecosystem of digital solutions, a phone manufacturer, an operating system developer, eons of classroom education at your finger tips, a small business enabler and a tech giant with lots and lots of products.
While the company is not without its fair share of challenges and lawsuits, it has stood the test of time and continues to make lasting impact on the digital world.
In honor of Google at 25, we share 25 intriguing facts that celebrate the journey and accomplishments of our best friend before ChatGPT.
1. A Googol and a Name:
A “googol,” represented by a one followed by 100 zeroes, inspired Google’s name, reflecting its potential to properly organize and present information.
2. Pi’s 100-Trillionth Digit:
In 2022, a Google researcher discovered the 100-trillionth digit of pi, showcasing Google’s involvement in advanced computing and mathematics.
3. YouTube Shorts Views:
As of today, YouTube Shorts pulls an average of 70 billion views daily via the YouTube app. This goes to show YouTube and Shorts’ growing popularity among users.
4. ARDA and Diabetic Retinopathy:
Google’s ARDA tool has globally screened over 250,000 patients for diabetic retinopathy, a significant step in combating preventable blindness.
5. Generative AI Unicorns:
A staggering 70% of generative AI unicorns are Google Cloud customers, demonstrating Google’s influence in the AI domain.
6. Visual Searches with Google Lens:
Every month, Google Lens processes over 12 billion visual searches, and has helped people discover random things, shop better, nab fake photos or retrieve information from real sources where necessary.
7. Google Doodles and Creativity:
Google has crafted more than 5,000 Doodles, showcasing creativity and celebrating various events and individuals while also immortalising people whose contributions may otherwise have been forgotten.
8. A Doodle for Everyone:
In 2010, Google started celebrating its users’ birthdays by creating a special doodle for you on your birthday. On your birthday, hover over the Google image with your mouse the text “Happy Birthday (Your first name)” will show.
9. India’s Moon Landing Livestream:
India’s moon landing livestream on the Indian Space Research Organization’s YouTube channel attracted 8.5 million concurrent viewers, a record-setting event.
10. Gmail’s Email Unsend Feature:
Gmail in 2015 announced that it had better integrated the technology that allows users a maximum of 30 seconds to unsend an email, offering a quick remedy for last-minute changes or full on email gaffes.
11. Spam Protection on Android:
Through AI, Google’s Android protected users from an estimated 100 billion suspected spam messages in the past year, enhancing user experience.
12. Energy-Efficient Data Centers:
Google’s data centers are 1.5 times more energy-efficient compared to typical data centers, showcasing a strong commitment to sustainability.
13. Mapping with Street View:
Google has mapped over 10 million miles with the Street View car, enabling users to virtually explore the world. A social media user Trevor Reinbolt has become TikTok famous for being able to spot any location on Google maps and has partnered with the company recently.
14. Coding Languages Supported by Bard:
Google’s AI, Bard which was launched in 2023 to compete with OpenAI’s ChatGPT has scaled impressively. Recently it received major updates which make it proficient in more than 20 coding languages and better prompt responses for the growing population of AI users
15. Multilingual Google Translate:
Google Translate supports 133 languages and has helped very many travelers in their interaction with locals in places they visit with language barriers. The product has also scaled to reading menu’s and other functional uses for easing communication.
16. Photos Edited on Google Photos:
Every month, users edit a staggering 1.7 billion photos on Google Photos, highlighting its widespread usage and popularity.
17. Autocomplete’s Time-Saving Impact:
Search’s autocomplete feature saves an estimated 200 years of typing time per day, streamlining the search process for users.
18. Pixel 7 Pro’s Super Res Zoom:
Pixel 7 Pro’s Super Res Zoom allows for 30 times zoom, showcasing Google’s commitment to innovation in smartphone technology.
19. A Historical Google tote:
Only this year, everyone who buys any Pixel phone, earbuds, watch, or tablet gets the Google 25th birthday mini tote which has the potential of becoming a collector’s item and a good auction piece in future.
20. Google Career Certificate Impact:
Over 500,000 individuals globally have completed a Google Career Certificate, empowering them with skills for high-demand jobs.
21. Whistle or Hum to Search:
Google’s “hum to search” feature allows users to hum or whistle for 10-15 seconds to find a song.
22. Eco-Friendly Routing on Google Maps:
Eco-friendly routing on Google Maps has potentially saved 1.2 million metric tons of carbon emissions, contributing to a more sustainable future.
23. Fitbit’s Heart Rhythm Notifications:
Fitbit’s irregular Heart Rhythm Notifications have been enrolled by over 7 million people since its launch, promoting heart health awareness.
24. Google Products with Massive Reach:
Fifteen Google products serve over half a billion people and businesses, with six of them boasting over 2 billion users each. Think Youtube, Android, Google Play, Maps and many more.
25. Infinite Chrome Tabs:
Chrome users can open an infinite number of tabs, emphasizing Google’s dedication to providing a seamless browsing experience.
If any Google product has helped you in some way, we welcome you to raise a glass to Google at 25.
Google’s journey from a search engine to a global tech powerhouse, revolutionizing the digital landscape over the past 25 years is unarguably inspiring. Happy 25th birthday, Google!
