A few years ago, the Big G sets its foot in our shores as a promising market emerges that is worth exploring. I'm reposting this article to re-evaluate the forecast on the influence of technology as a driver of change in different areas of our society and our lives.
Makati became the convergence zone of top tech company Google and IT professionals in Asia last Friday, 3rd August 2012. G-day happened first in the Philippines with Google’s Loren Shuster delivering the keynote for the event. Working in the country since 1995, he said that the “Philippines” has always been marked as the next big thing. “The reality is: the internet is here and the drivers are here. The Philippines is going to be one of, if not, the fastest growing market from a GDP perspective across Asia Pacific. The Philippines is an opportunity here and now for all collectively. That's why we're holding our 1st G-day in Southeast Asia particularly, in the Philippines” said Shuster.
Makati became the convergence zone of top tech company Google and IT professionals in Asia last Friday, 3rd August 2012. G-day happened first in the Philippines with Google’s Loren Shuster delivering the keynote for the event. Working in the country since 1995, he said that the “Philippines” has always been marked as the next big thing. “The reality is: the internet is here and the drivers are here. The Philippines is going to be one of, if not, the fastest growing market from a GDP perspective across Asia Pacific. The Philippines is an opportunity here and now for all collectively. That's why we're holding our 1st G-day in Southeast Asia particularly, in the Philippines” said Shuster.
He also gave a round
of Trivia to engage with the crowd.
·
What is the nickname
of Google's search engine during the initial days of Larry and Sergey
working on their Stanford engineering project (back in 1996)?
working on their Stanford engineering project (back in 1996)?
Answer: Backrub (Not to be mistaken
as a massage parlor which it sounds like.
*Note : The name was changed in 1998 when the
company was founded. With 14 years on
its track, Google is very young yet; it has
changed Technology to better the
lives of many).
lives of many).
·
What is the meaning of
Google?
Answer: It's a number with a hundred zeros.
·
What is the Informal
corporate slogan of Google?
Answer: Don't be Evil.
·
What inspired the
multi-colored Google logo?
Answer: When the founders were
working in the garage, they built a computer chassis out
of Lego. The multi-colored Lego
inspired the Google Logo.
 |
| Google Executive Loren Shuster delivers the Keynote |
The talk narrated the
big G’s timeline beginning from its birth on a rented Garage of Susan Wojcickis
in Menlo Park, California. Established in 1998, the organization’s mission is
to organize the world's information and make it universally accessible and
useful. Shuster moved to discuss Google Glass (GG), a man-machine
interface which makes information accessible right in front of your eyes.
Classified as the Google I/O extension in Asia, the event could have been more
exciting if he did a demo of the GG in action. “It is an incredible
innovation. It sounds futuristic. It is here and now. In the next 24-36 months,
I wouldn't be surprised if many people in this room started wearing Google
glass.” said Shuster as he discussed about the product.
Shuster shifted to
discuss about the current landscape in the region. He said that 2.3 Billion
people are already online and over 1 Billion are across Asia Pacific
representing over 29% market penetration. “The numbers present huge
opportunity for people to come online and engage online, to access info online
and participate in their communities online “he added. Being one of the most
exciting and dynamic region in the world, Google raises its flag and
establishes its presence in the country.
“The pace of Change is
normal. It is something that we all need to adapt to in order to stay abreast
of the latest technology opportunities that provide us the chance to enhance
our businesses and our personal lives.” Shuster said.
Shuster went on to
discuss the figures in 2012 showing that there are over 5 Billion mobile
devices globally. Looking forward, Google expects this number to double.
This means that a huge change is about to happen creating enormous
opportunities and value. The internet is at the heart of everything we do
in our daily lives. It’s all about these 3 core areas: Information,
Entertainment and Community.
Information sourcing
today
 |
| Android Marshmallow |
In retrospect 20 years ago, Shuster
reminisced how we relied on local libraries, morning papers and encyclopedias.
But, today, the vast majority of the information we use are sourced online.
“There are more Android activations happening compared to the number of babies
born. Every day, 4.7 Billion Google searches are made.” These are the
reasons why mobile is perceived as a change agent in sourcing
information. The Tech stalwart expects to have more mobile and desktop
searches in the next 24 months. Shuster believes that importance should
be given to mobility and business.
YouTube defines entertainment
Back in 2006, Google
acquired YouTube for $1.65 Billion. At present, more than 72 hours of video
content is uploaded per minute. People YouTube videos having more control as to
when, where and what to download. People are now empowered to define entertainment
at their own will.
Community Basics
online
Apart from retrieving
information, people are getting more connected online. “There is a lot of
sharing happening and there is also an explosion of content. As a result,
consumers are starting to demand” Shuster said. These times are interesting
since different platforms are accessible and available. The spotlight is lit
towards content creators and businesses to take advantage of these
opportunities and make something useful for people.
Why Google loves the
Philippines
Internet penetration
in the country is at 33%. Shuster emphasized the need for businesses to go
beyond traditional media and consider online presence. In Southeast Asia, the
“Philippines” has the highest usage of videos and the second biggest in the
world to upload videos online. Also, the number of searches made via
mobile is outstanding. Shuster emphasized “Mobile has to be the center of all
activities.”
How to make it Big in
the Web
 |
| Charice Pempengco and Arnel Pineda. YouTube Star Sensation. |
Digital platforms even
the playing field for everyone to be successful online. So, what makes success
online? Google believes that the only limiting factor is creativity.
There is a massive opportunity for businesses and individuals aspiring to make
it big. A proven fact: Many became successful using the new media with the
likes of Charice Pempengco and Arnel Pineda.
To illustrate where
the trend is heading, Shuster said the Philippines is the first market in Asia
where chrome is the number 1 browser. President Aquino was the first
world leader to be interviewed in YouTube. Google offers free SMS to Globe,
Smart and Sun. The big G’s big bets are: Android, YouTube, G+ and Google
search.
Now, all the cards are
down. What’s your online success story?
