Clipmarks | kidora's 'google' clips

Google Getting Closer To A Virtual World

Tue, 09 Oct 2007 16:55:05 GMT

clipped by: kidora

Virtual-worlds platform developer Multiverse Network is set to announce a partnership Tuesday that will allow anyone to create a new online interactive 3D environment with just about any model from Google's online repository of 3D models, its 3D Warehouse, as well as terrain from Google Earth.

The idea is simple: Multiverse's technology--which gives game developers tools to design custom virtual worlds--will let those designers pick and choose from most of the millions of 3D models created using Google's 3D software tool SketchUp, and to import pieces of terrain, as defined by entering specific longitude and latitude data, from Google Earth.

Of course, Multiverse's project is not the only one that has sprung up to make use of this data. Google is rumored to be working on a prototype virtual world, a beta test of which may or may not be under way at Arizona State University.

Tags: google, google earth, virtual, world

Virtural Integration: Google and Second Life?

Tue, 25 Sep 2007 16:21:16 GMT

clipped by: kidora
clipper's remarks: There has been a lot of talk lately about the integration of virtual worlds with the internet. The fact the Google likes to have it's fingers in all honey pots does not surprise me.
While I enjoy Second Life as a creative platform and sometimes virtual vacation it is in need of a more stable and powerful system to work under. Perhaps Google and Linden Labs (the creators of Second Life) could work together. Google would be able to supply a much needed power boost to the relatively small Linden Labs.

Clip Source: www.webware.com

For some time now, we here at CNET News.com have been hearing whispers that Google might be looking to get into the virtual world space, particularly in light of the increasing interest of existing environments like Second Life, and the success of Google Earth and the search giant's purchase of the Sketchup technology.

Well, now we might finally be on to something. According to TechCrunch, Google may already be testing its own 3D virtual world technology, in a secret experiment at Arizona State University.

And according to a report published Monday from eMarketer, Google is "planning enhancements to Google Earth to let users connect virtually with one another."

If it's even happening. And with rumors being what they are, you never know.

Tags: google, second life, virtual, computers

Google Browser Coming Your Way Soon?

Fri, 17 Aug 2007 17:05:01 GMT

clipped by: kidora
clipper's remarks: I think the most interesting think to note out of this whole article is the fact that Google has regestered the domain name gbrowser.com. While they may just be covering all of their bases I think that this bodes well for a future release of their own browser. I am sure that some of you will see this as another indication that Google is taking over the world, and while that may be true, I am not quite convinced that Google is as evil as some are making them out to be. Or maybe they are taking over Mwahahahah

Clip Source: news.com.com

First up is the noted fact that Google had registered a "Gbrowser.com" domain name, which would lead one to believe that some sort of interest exists in such a browser. On the other hand, Google CEO Eric Schmidt has said in the past that the company would build a browser only if there were a real user benefit.

Google recently began offering a version of its Google Earth application that runs in browsers as opposed to the downloaded application, reducing complete dependence upon the Google Earth application.

Add to Google Earth the Google word processor, spreadsheet, slide presentation program, and the many other browser apps in development, and it really starts to seem like a good possibility that Google would build their own browser. Along with support for applications, they could also increase security for those apps and monetize it all on several levels.

Tags: google, browser, internet, web 2.0

20 Tips for More Efficient Google Searches

Fri, 08 Jun 2007 04:46:44 GMT

clipped by: thefoxalmighty
clipper's remarks: very useful indeed.

Clip Source: www.dumblittleman.com

But instead of just typing in a phrase and wading through page after page of results, there are a number of ways to make your searches more efficient.

Backlinks. The "link:" operator will find pages that link to a specific URL. You can use this not only for a main URL but even to a specific page. Not all links to an URL are listed, however.

Numrange. This little-known feature searches for a range of numbers. For example, ["best books 2002..2007] will return lists of best books for each of the years from 2002 to 2007 (note the two periods between the two numbers).

Calculator. One of the handiest uses of Google, type in a quick calculation in the search box and get an answer. It's faster than calling up your computer's calculator in most cases. Use the +, -, *, / symbols and parentheses to do a simple equation.

Definitions. Use the "define:" operator to get a quick definition. [define:dumb] will give you a whole host of definitions from different sources, with links.

Advanced search

Tags: google, search engine, optimization