Google is one of the most recognizable and widely used companies in the world, known primarily for its search engine, but also for its suite of products such as Google Maps, Google Drive, and Google Photos. Since its founding in 1998, Google has become an integral part of our daily lives, and its impact on the internet and technology as a whole is truly mind-blowing. Here are some of the most fascinating and surprising facts about Google.
- Google's original name was Backrub
Before it was called Google, the search engine was known as Backrub. The name came from the fact that the search engine analyzed the "backlinks" between websites to determine their relevance and popularity. In 1997, founders Larry Page and Sergey Brin changed the name to Google, a play on the word "googol," which is a mathematical term for the number 1 followed by 100 zeros.
- Google's search algorithm is constantly evolving
Google's search algorithm is constantly being updated and refined to improve the relevance and accuracy of search results. In fact, the company makes over 500 changes to its algorithm each year. These changes are designed to keep up with changes in user behaviour and to combat spam and other forms of online manipulation.
- Google's search index contains over 130 trillion pages
Google's search index is constantly growing, and as of 2021, it contains over 130 trillion individual web pages. This massive index is constantly being updated and refined to ensure that users can find the most relevant and accurate information possible.
- Google was nearly sold to Excite for just $1 million
In 1999, Larry Page and Sergey Brin attempted to sell Google to Excite for just $1 million. The offer was rejected, and Excite went bankrupt just a few years later. Today, Google is worth over $1 trillion and is one of the most valuable companies in the world.
- Google's first office was a garage
Like many successful tech companies, Google started out in a humble garage. The company's first office was located in a garage in Menlo Park, California, which Larry Page and Sergey Brin rented from a friend.
- Google has a dedicated search quality team
Google has a team of search quality evaluators who manually review search results to ensure that they are accurate, relevant, and high-quality. This team helps to identify areas where the search algorithm needs to be improved and ensures that Google's search results are as helpful as possible for users.
- Google has a data centre on every continent except Antarctica
Google has data centres located all around the world, with at least one in every continent except Antarctica. These data centres are responsible for storing and processing the massive amounts of data that Google collects on a daily basis.
- Google's search engine can speak Klingon
Google's search engine is available in dozens of different languages, including some that are fictional. One of these languages is Klingon, the language spoken by the alien race in the Star Trek franchise. Users can search in Klingon by selecting the language from the Google search settings.
- Google is committed to renewable energy
Google is committed to using 100% renewable energy to power its operations. The company has invested in a number of renewable energy projects, including wind farms and solar power plants, and is one of the largest corporate purchasers of renewable energy in the world.
- Google Maps can track traffic in real-time
Google Maps uses a variety of data sources to track traffic in real time, including GPS data from smartphones and data from other Google products like Google Search and Google Assistant. This data is used to provide users with up-to-date information on traffic conditions, helping them to avoid congestion and get to their destination faster.
- Google processes over trillion searches per year
As of 2021, Google processes over 5.6 billion searches per day, which adds up to over 2 trillion searches per year. This massive amount of search traffic makes Google one of the most valuable sources of data in the world, and the company is constantly looking for new ways to use this data to improve its products and services.
- Google has a team dedicated to fighting spam
Google is committed to providing users with high-quality search results, which is why the company has a team dedicated to fighting spam and other forms of online manipulation. This team uses a variety of tools and techniques to identify and remove spam from search results, ensuring that users are presented with accurate and trustworthy information.
- Google's first tweet was in binary code
In 2009, Google joined Twitter and sent out its first tweet in binary code. The tweet read "I'm feeling lucky," which is a reference to the company's "I'm Feeling Lucky" search feature. This tweet was followed by many more, and today Google is one of the most active brands on Twitter.
- Google's offices are designed to be fun and productive
Google's offices are famous for their unique design and amenities, which are intended to promote creativity, collaboration, and productivity. Google's offices include everything from indoor slides and games rooms to on-site gyms and massage rooms, all designed to help employees feel relaxed, energized, and focused.
- Google has a massive advertising business
While Google is best known for its search engine and other products, the company's advertising business is also a major source of revenue. Google's advertising platform, known as Google Ads, allows businesses of all sizes to reach their target audiences through search, display, and video advertising.
In conclusion, Google is an incredibly impressive company, with a massive impact on the internet and technology as a whole. From its search algorithm to its data centres and advertising platform, Google has changed the way we use the internet and has become an integral part of our daily lives. These mind-blowing facts about Google show just how far the company has come since its founding in 1998, and it's clear that Google will continue to innovate and shape the future of technology for years to come.
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