WRAL Tech Wire

Google's products dig deeper into people's lives

In the latest display of its technological prowess and sweeping ambition, Google is rolling out another wave of products and services that will test how much more people want computers to control their lives and enhance their perceptions of reality.

Google expands photo offerings in bid to rival Facebook plus music service

The search giant is rolling out a subscription music-streaming service and additional photo services in a bid to attract more users as well as advertisers.

Google plans music service; CEO Page discloses vocal cord ailment

Search giant Google reportedly plans an online musice service to rival Spotify; meanwhile, Google CEO discloses what his health problem is - difficulties with his vocal cords.

Tech truce: Microsoft embraces a Google service for a change

In a rare bit of cooperation, Microsoft's Outlook.com is giving users of its free email service the option of logging into Google Chat to exchange instant messages and engage in audio or video conversations.

YouTube to launch a series of new pay channels

The content on the new pay channels will be in addition to the millions of videos viewers watch for free on YouTube. It's not clear whether the paid videos will come with advertising.

YouTube says the battle with TV is already over

YouTube says more 18- to 34-year olds watch YouTube than any cable network.

Food fight: Ag biotech continues to spark debate

Perhaps no such issue is as polarizing or controversial as genetically modified organisms (GMOs), or organisms that have had DNA molecules from different sources combined into a single molecule, creating a new set of genes. The GMO debate was a highlight of the BIO International Convention.

Siri vs. Google Now: How each responds to 5 questions

Which digital assistant is best at answering questions from users? The AP puts Google Now and Apple's Siri to the test.

Siri touted at Apple website

Google Now invades Apple's Siri turf with new app

"Today, with the launch of Google Now on iPhone and iPad, your smartphone will become even smarter," Google proclaims in a blog.

Google Now goes after Siri

 Greenpeace goofs on IBM, moves Big Blue up 'Cool IT' list

The folks at Greenpeace were a little red in the face - i.e. a bit embarrassed - Friday, issuing a correction about IBM and moving Big Blue up its annual "Cool IT Leaderboard." What happened?

Google buys startup that summarizes online content

Wavii's natural-language technology could be useful for Google's Knowledge Graph, an 11-month-old feature that summarizes information in boxes that appear alongside some of Google's search results.

Google's co-founders earn $1; 4 other top execs receive $124M

Google CEO Larry Page and his longtime partner Sergey Brin limited their salaries to $1 apiece last year, while four other top executives received combined compensation packages totaling more than $124 million.

 Google, Cisco share top spot in Greenpeace 'Cool IT Leaderboard'

The global environmental group gives high marks to Google and Cisco for their efforts to adopt sustainable energy. Greenpeace especially likes Google's deal with Duke Energy in providing power to its soon-to-be-expanded data center in Lenoir.

The "Cool IT Leaderboard" from Greenpeace

Google plans $600M expansion to double NC investment

The search engine giant also embraces an evolving plan from Duke Energy that would provide more renewable energy offerings. Greenpeace embraces the idea. No word yet on how many new jobs would be created in Lenoir, which Google chose for a data center in 2007.

Google's Android mascot inside Lenior center

 Google making big NC expansion news - but don't expect many jobs

The search engine giant is scheduled to announce a major investment in its huge $600 million Lenoir, N.C. data center. But don't expect Google to hire very many people.

Google's data center in Lenoir.

 Google 1Q earnings beat estimates as the company expands beyond search

Google's latest quarterly results provided further proof that the Internet search leader is figuring out how to make more money as Web surfers migrate from personal computers to mobile devices.

 Google taking over city fiber-optic network in Provo, Utah

Google Inc. said it will bring its Google Fiber broadband Internet service to Provo, Utah, the third U.S. city slated for the program, as the company steps up plans to expand speedy online access to consumers.

 Attention, NC entrepreneurs: Google, top VCs looking to fund 'Glass' ideas

Google plus top-tier venture capital firms Andreessen Horowitz and Kleiner Perkins are looking to fund startups with up to $2 million for projects focusing on Google's wearable computer known as Glass.

Google Glass up close

 'Google Fiber' helping pave way for faster network in Triangle

AT&T says it will build a network to rival Google's in Austin, Texas - and it wants the same cooperation from governments. Time Warner Cable has made a bid for the North Carolina Next Generation Network. Isn't competition wonderful? This is good news for consumers and businesses.

 Google Fiber coming to Austin; AT&T pledges to match speeds

Tech savvy Austin will be Google Fiber's second market but Google did not say how much Austin customers will pay for the super-fast service.

Google Fiber