Tuesday, February 7, 2012

Googland

Googland

[G] What’s your X? Amplifying technology moonshots

Posted: 06 Feb 2012 11:14 PM PST

Official Google Blog: What's your X? Amplifying technology moonshots

Last week, we ran an experiment. We hosted a gathering, called "Solve for X," for experienced entrepreneurs, innovators and scientists from around the world. The event focused on proposing and discussing technological solutions to some of the world's greatest problems. Discussions began last week with this small event, and now we invite others to join the conversation on our website and our Google +page.

The Solve for X gathering, which we co-hosted with Eric Schmidt, is a place to celebrate a concept we champion internally and that we believe will inspire many others: technology moonshots. These are efforts that take on global-scale problems, define radical solutions to those problems, and involve some form of breakthrough technology that could actually make them happen. Moonshots live in the gray area between audacious projects and pure science fiction; they are 10x improvement, not 10%. That's partly what makes them so exciting.



Moonshots can come from anywhere—people of all ages and places, companies, academia, inspired experts, enthusiastic newcomers, and often from accidental discoveries. Take this Solve for X talk by Adrien Treuille, a professor of computer science and robotics at Carnegie Mellon University. He proposes that going forward significant science and technological advances will come from individual contributors—independent of their official affiliations or training. It sounds implausible, but he makes the case by discussing EteRNA and Foldit, scientific discovery games where individual gamers are lapping the best computer programs in DNA folding and RNA nano-fabrication problems. Rob McGinnis, co-founder of Oasys, suggests in his Solve for X talk that fresh water could be produced everywhere in the world at less than one-tenth the energy input or cost to the environment of what's possible today. It sounds too good to be true because the world needs fresh water so very desperately, yet Rob is exploring dramatic technological breakthroughs in desalination to make this moonshot into a possible reality.

You can watch these videos and others on our site now, and we will add more in the coming week. Just wait to hear Mary Lou Jepsen's Solve for X talk on how it may literally be possible to take pictures of the mind's eye! The potential impact of this technology on the way we communicate, preserve memories and understand ourselves is staggering. Or consider Daphne Preuss, a leading geneticist who moved from academia to pursue plant genetics in order to help make the planet healthier and find ways to feed more people. She doesn't plan to take on her moonshot herself, but she has a strong vision for what it would take to get it done and why it's so important.

Our gathering last week brought together a group that is already practiced at moonshot thinking to propose specific solutions. At least a few times a year, we hope that people will take a few hours or a day or two out of their busy schedules to dare to push the boundaries, and to consider moonshot approaches to some of the world's many unresolved challenges. Solve for X isn't about developing a new business line or building an investment portfolio. Rather, it aims to be a forum where technology-based moonshot thinking is practiced, celebrated and amplified. We invite you to come collaborate with us at www.wesolveforx.com.

Posted by Astro Teller & Megan Smith, co-hosts of Solve for X
URL: http://googleblog.blogspot.com/2012/02/whats-your-x-amplifying-technology.html

[G] Supporting U.S. student veterans with a new scholarship

Posted: 06 Feb 2012 11:14 PM PST

Official Google Blog: Supporting U.S. student veterans with a new scholarship

The newest addition to the Google scholarships family is the Google Student Veterans of America (SVA) Scholarship. We're partnering with the nonprofit Student Veterans of America (SVA) to support their mission of providing veterans with the resources, support and advocacy they need to succeed in higher education and throughout their careers. The Google SVA Scholarship is available to student veterans who are pursuing degrees in computer science and related fields in the U.S. for the 2012-2013 academic year. In addition to the financial award, recipients will be invited to attend the annual all-expenses-paid scholars' retreat at the Googleplex in Mountain View, Calif. in the summer of 2012.

We have a long history of helping university students pursue computer science education with scholarship and internship opportunities. Since our first scholarships were awarded in 2004, we've provided over $8.8 million dollars of financial support to 2,100 students from historically underrepresented groups worldwide. Our academic scholarship programs are just one part of our global effort to increase the diversity of the technology industry and invest in the next generation of computer scientists. This mission includes ensuring that student veterans in the U.S. have the support they need to pursue technology education and careers.

Google's commitment to military veterans extends beyond our educational outreach efforts. The Google Veterans Network, one of our 18 employee groups dedicated to supporting diversity and inclusion at Google, fosters a community of support for our military veterans, reservists, guardsmen, family members and friends. In 2011, we introduced a customized job search engine called the Veterans Job Bank in partnership with the Department of Veterans Affairs. Members of our veterans' community also partnered with the Google Creative Lab to launch Chrome for Wounded, Ill and Injured Warriors and to create Google for Veterans and Families, a new online resource that brings together our free products and platforms for service members and their families. As a Google engineer and a Marine veteran, I'm proud of our commitment to diversity and of our efforts to bring other veterans into the world of technology and computer science.

The deadline to apply for the Google SVA Scholarship is March 15, 2012.

For complete scholarship details, visit our scholarship programs page.

Posted by Dan Cross, Software Engineer

(Cross-posted from the Google Student blog)
URL: http://googleblog.blogspot.com/2012/02/supporting-us-student-veterans-with-new.html

[G] isocket and Shiny Ads deliver new innovations using the DFP API

Posted: 06 Feb 2012 04:42 PM PST

DoubleClick Publisher Blog: isocket and Shiny Ads deliver new innovations using the DFP API

With thousands of publishers using the DFP and DFP Small Business ad serving platforms, we know first-hand that no publisher is identical. Publishers may use in-house billing systems, have unique approval workflows, or use third-party tools to handle their ad operations.

To give publishers the flexibility to easily integrate their unique processes and systems with their ad server, DFP offers publishers an open API to easily create tools that complement their ad operations.

We've seen hundreds of developers build new ad serving innovations using the API, including applications to manage inventory, create orders, pull reports, and more. The API has created a new ecosystem of partner innovations, giving publishers access to new ad serving tools and applications. Two such applications come from isocket and Shiny Ads who have used the DFP API to build applications that help publishers manage and sell their ad space.

isocket uses the API to create tools that streamlines sales

Seeing the need to streamline the manual steps involved with buying and selling inventory, isocket engineered a direct and self-service ad sales tool to simplify sales workflows. By leveraging the DFP API, isocket was able to build an application to automate sales processes and save money. "We were interested in using the API because it allowed us to eliminate the hassle of manually coordinating campaigns, while still keeping the important parts like publisher control and approval. Integrating with the DFP API has allowed us to make things a lot simpler for publishers," said Ben Trenda, VP of Sales at isocket.

Read more about how isocket integrated with the DFP API.

Shiny Ads builds application to help publishers save time

To help facilitate publishers' direct ad campaign management, Shiny Ads began using
the DFP API to integrate its self-serve advertising platform with DFP in order to help publishers streamline their sales processes. This integration has helped save publishers time since they no longer need to manually book sales orders. "Our solution needs to support DFP - our customers demand it"  said CEO and founder Roy Pereira. "The API made integrating with DFP easy for us, and most importantly, easy for our clients. Without the DFP API, Shiny Ads would not have the fully functional solution we have today."  

Read more about how Shiny Ads integrated with the DFP API.

Over the coming months, we'll share more stories on how our partners are using the DFP API to deliver exciting ad serving innovations. For a complete list of partners who have built applications using the DFP API, please visit our partner directory.

Posted by John Park, Partner Programs Manager, and Adam Rogal, Developer Relations
URL: http://doubleclickpublishers.blogspot.com/2012/02/isocket-and-shiny-ads-deliver-new.html

[G] Writing ads that attract customers

Posted: 06 Feb 2012 04:42 PM PST

Inside AdWords: Writing ads that attract customers

With the theme of Valentine's Day on our mind, we're sharing tips on how to spice up your AdWords text ads, courtesy of the AdWords Help Center.

Start by taking a moment to consider what you want to do with your ad. Then use the six guidelines below to create an ad that's accurate, to-the-point, and engaging.
  • Highlight what makes your business, product, or offer unique
  • Include prices, promotions, and exclusives
  • Tell your customers what they can do
  • Include at least one of your keywords in your ad text
  • Match your ad to your landing page
  • Experiment
Here are some examples:
Couples Cooking Class
www.example.com/cook
Sauté your way to her heart!
Register as a couple and save 20%

Hot Air Balloon Ride
www.example.com/balloonride
Love is in the air. Save 30% today.
Soar in the world's largest balloon.
Lovers Laser Tag
www.example.com/lasertag
Like Cupid's Bow, only faster
15% off for couples on Feb 14th.
Read the full article and watch a video on Tips for creating successful text ads in the AdWords Help Center to get additional examples on how to improve your ad.

Now that you've optimized your text ads, consider creating a video ad. Follow the steps mentioned in the Tips for creating effective video ads article.

Posted by the AdWords Help Center Team
URL: http://adwords.blogspot.com/2012/02/writing-ads-that-attract-customers.html

[G] After NextUp, Next Chef and Next Trainer, What’s Next? You tell us!

Posted: 06 Feb 2012 04:42 PM PST

YouTube Blog: After NextUp, Next Chef and Next Trainer, What's Next? You tell us!

One of the most rewarding projects I worked on in 2011 was the Next Creator program (comprised of YouTube NextUp, YouTube Next Chef, and YouTube Next Trainer). These programs worked to catapult 91 content creators' careers across 15 different countries, by providing them with production and audience development training, new video equipment, promotion, and mentoring from DeStorm, FreddieW, Michelle Phan, Chow.com and Billy Blanks.



But what's next for the Next Creator program? There are still millions of creators who could benefit from participating in the program, so we're excited to continue to expand the program further. That's where you come in — we'd like to hear which type of content we should launch for the next round. Maybe you're a budding beauty guru and want to see YouTube Next Beautician; or, perhaps you're a habitual big personality vlogger and have been waiting for YouTube Next Vlogger.



Whatever you want to see next, let us know by voting on some categories and by suggesting your own here. You may vote and submit as many as you'd like before February 19th. We'll then evaluate the top-voted suggestions and bring some of these to you this year!



2012 is going to be an incredibly exciting year for YouTube creators. Stay tuned for more initiatives that will empower you to take your YouTube career to the next level — coming very soon!



Bing Chen, global creator initiatives manager, recently watched Ryan The Truth Higa's "Word of the Day - Swog."


URL: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/youtube/PKJx/~3/vP5YCXFG1gM/after-nextup-next-chef-and-next-trainer.html

[G] Watch our video to learn how to integrate AdSense ads with your quality content

Posted: 06 Feb 2012 04:42 PM PST

Inside AdSense: Watch our video to learn how to integrate AdSense ads with your quality content


Placing additional ad units on your site can have a big impact on your earnings. However, sometimes publishers find it difficult to decide whether an additional ad unit makes sense for their site. We've created a short video below to help you make sure you're following best practices, as outlined on Google's webmaster guidelines, when placing new ad units on your site.



Ultimately, great content is what will help your site stand out and engage your users. We recommend that you only place ad units on pages that are rich in original content and keep the user experience in mind as you think about where you place your ads.  Take a look at the video below for more information!








Posted by Caroline Halpin, AdSense Optimization Team

 





URL: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/blogspot/tuAm/~3/0oaVbt3qEHg/watch-our-video-to-learn-how-to.html

[G] Lights, camera, causes: The 2012 Nonprofit Video Awards

Posted: 06 Feb 2012 04:42 PM PST

YouTube Blog: Lights, camera, causes: The 2012 Nonprofit Video Awards

For the third year, YouTube is teaming up with See3 Communications to present the DoGooder Nonprofit Video Awards, a celebration of the best non-profit videos on the site. If you're a nonprofit who made a video in 2011, you're eligible and encouraged to submit.



It doesn't matter if your organization is small and scrappy, large and global, or somewhere in between. We'll award prizes like $3,500 grants, free admission to the Nonprofit Technology Conference, and a spotlight on the YouTube homepage to small, medium and large organizations, plus a special award for "Best Video Storytelling."



Need more details? Watch this video:







The deadline to enter is February 29, 2012 and you must be a member of the YouTube Nonprofit Program at the time of judging, to enter. Full rules are available here.



Get those cameras rolling and good luck!



Ramya Raghavan, YouTube Nonprofits, recently watched "300 Years of Fossil Fuels in 300 Seconds".


URL: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/youtube/PKJx/~3/XkChphsjnPc/lights-camera-causes-2012-nonprofit.html

[G] Playbook for tackling the Super Bowl with Google

Posted: 06 Feb 2012 04:42 PM PST

Official Google CPG Blog: Playbook for tackling the Super Bowl with Google


While thousands of lucky fans will brave the crowds at the Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Ind. to fill the coveted seats at this Sunday's Super Bowl, many more in the U.S. will enjoy the game from home—in front of the TV, with mobile phones and tablets at the ready.

As the New York Giants and New England Patriots prepare for kickoff, here are several ways to make the most of the big game with Google—wherever you're watching. You can explore the full list in our Game Day with Google playbook, a new page on Inside Search that we've filled with tips on how to use Google to enjoy the game.

Get the inside scoop
Visit the Giants and Patriots Google+ pages for behind-the-scenes coverage and details on a chance for you to join the Giants pre-game hangout on Thursday for a face-to-face chat with the players. Be sure to leave a comment on their post for a chance to participate.


On Monday, Feb 6 at noon ET, stop by the NBC Sports Google+ page for a Hangout On Air with CNBC sports business reporter Darren Rovell. He'll chat about the previous day's game and review the best commercials with fans that drop in. Leave a comment on this NBC Sports post to throw your name in the hat to be one of the lucky participants who will chat with Rovell On Air.


Plan your party
Super Bowl party rivalry is already in full swing with Indiana leading the pack in Google searches for [super bowl party], ahead of both New York and Massachusetts. Despite New York being the home state of the buffalo wing, searches for [chicken wings] are nearly 50 percent higher in Massachusetts.

If you're looking for a dip recipes, [hummus] reigns supreme, followed by guacamole, queso and bean dip. Use Google Recipe search to find a recipe with the ingredients to make everyone happy. Or, swing by ChefHangout on Google+ to join a cooking class on favorite Super Bowl party foods.

Talking babies or barking dogs? You decide.
It wouldn't be the Super Bowl without the commercials. We've already seen a flurry of pre-game teasers pop up on YouTube and Google+, but which commercial will reign supreme? Our fifth annual YouTube Ad Blitz in partnership with NBC Sports enables you to replay and vote on your favorite commercials online from a laptop, mobile phone or tablet. Tune in to theYouTube Ad Blitz channel or NBCSports.com to watch and rate the commercials.


Watch the Madonna premiere on YouTube
If the halftime show interests you more than counting yards gained and lost, get an early taste of the show with Madonna's music video premiere for "Give Me All Your Luvin" featuring Nicki Minaj and M.I.A on her official youtube.com/Madonna channel this Friday and on the YouTube Ad Blitz channel pre-game on Sunday. You can pre-order her deluxe album right there in the video description. And make sure to tune in to Madonna's Google+ profile all week long for her latest news.

May the best team win!

Posted by Mark Valkenburgh from the Google CPG Team
URL: http://google-cpg.blogspot.com/2012/02/playbook-for-tackling-super-bowl-with.html

[G] Super Bowl XLVI: Mobile, Manning and Madonna

Posted: 06 Feb 2012 04:42 PM PST

Official Google Blog: Super Bowl XLVI: Mobile, Manning and Madonna

Now that the final Super Bowl touchdown has been scored, the dip bowl wiped clean and the last of the chicken wings devoured, we're taking a look at some game-day search trends to see what football fans were searching for this year.

As the Giants and Patriots battled it out on the field yesterday, U.S. viewers multi-tasked, watching the game on television and also going online more than ever before, turning to their smartphones and tablets to look up players, halftime show performers and their favorite Super Bowl commercials. In fact, around 41% of searches related to [Super Bowl ads] that were made during the game came from mobile devices, up from 25% for the same time the day prior.

Overall, the top trending searches on Google during the game were:
  1. Madonna
  2. Halftime show
  3. Patriots
  4. Tom Brady
  5. Giants
This was the first year that the Super Bowl was live streamed, and there was a significant spike in searches related to Super Bowl live streaming on game day. Searches peaked at kickoff, and were made predominantly on desktop, followed by mobile phones and then tablets. Searches for the Spanish language version of the live stream made the list of top trending queries, and while it may have have been after midnight on the other side of the Atlantic, we still saw searches for [Super Bowl 2012 übertragung] and [w9 streaming] in Germany and France, respectively.


The Giants claimed the game in a down-to-the-wire nail biter; however, the Patriots edged them out in searches. Patriots quarterback Tom Brady not only broke Joe Montana's record for the most touchdown passes at a Super Bowl, he also scored the most searches out of all the players. Eli Manning, Victor Cruz, Aaron Hernandez and Danny Woodhead rounded out the top five players trending during the game.


The Material Girl Madonna took the honor of being the most-searched for term during the game, but other celebrities that caught viewers' eyes included Super Bowl performers LMFAO, Kelly Clarkson and Nicki Minaj. Searches for Katherine McPhee's soon-to-premiere NBC show [Smash] beat out searches for David Beckham's H&M ad campaign.


Finally, no Super Bowl wrap-up would be complete without talking about the commercials. 2012 saw a pre-Super Bowl ad bonanza, with many of the top commercials either being teased or posted in full well in advance of the game. Super Bowl ads or ad teasers were watched more than 30 million times on YouTube before the big weekend this year (you can read more on the top rising Super Bowl searches on YouTube here).

Game day searches for [super bowl ads] were 122 times higher than the same time last week. The most popular commercials in terms of Google searches were ads from Acura, GoDaddy and M&M's. Searches for The Avengers movie trailer were also trending, along with Chrysler's spot featuring Clint Eastwood.

Now that you've seen them all, vote for your favorite commercial of the game on the YouTube Ad Blitz channel. The winning ads will be showcased on the YouTube homepage on February 18.

To download the full infographic above, visit Think Insights, our website for marketers. Our final Ad Blitz infographic (coming soon) will include new facts and stats about Super Bowl ads, and you can follow Think with Google on Google+ to be the first to know when it's released.

That's it for the NFL 2012 season, but luckily, major league baseball is just around the corner...

Posted by Jeffrey Oldham, Software Engineer
URL: http://googleblog.blogspot.com/2012/02/super-bowl-xlvi-mobile-manning-and.html
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