Google Music

          Many people use Google for its web, news, and image functions on a daily basis, but what about for downloading music? In that arena, Apple's iTunes tends to take the lead; however, after the official launch of "Google Music" this past Wednesday, the online music landscape may be be changing. 

          So, how is this program unique from all the other digital music services out there? According to an article written by Scott Steinberg for Rolling Stone magazine, it will be integrated into the Google+ social network, and will be available on Android cell phones, just as iTunes is available on the iPhone. It is unique because it allows cloud technology to be used for music storage, unlike iTunes, where music is generally stored on a mobile device or computer. The article also explains that Google Music plans to offer a free daily song, which goes a few steps beyond iTunes's free weekly song. Record labels such as EMI, Sony, and Universal have made deals with Google to be a part of this service, and extra content such as live concert recordings are also talked of being offered. Only time will tell whether Google Music will surpass iTunes as the next big thing, or if it will just be another outlet in a saturated market. 

Google Gives Back to Vets

Image from google.com

         In honor of this Veterans Day (which is being considered extraordinary because of the date being 11/11/11), Google's Doodle (the term for when the site incorporates its logo into a design on special occasions) is a picturesque painting-style image of a tree with a yellow ribbon representing the "L"  while the rest of the letters are wispy clouds in a blue sky. 

          An ABC news report today by Ned Potter identifies the artist of this watercolor as Google staff member Michael Dutton, whose dad is a Vietnam veteran. The report also explains that this painting is to raise awareness for a new project Google is working on to connect veterans with each other and their families after service. More information on the project can be found at http://www.googleforveterans.com/. Part of it will be a special section of the Google+ social network called "Vet Connect." This feature is highly anticipated by vets who are looking to gain contact with fellow comrades from their battle lines.

          I think Google's plan is a fantastic one. With all the ways people use the internet for bad or just superficial things, this is an example of how the internet can actually make a positive difference in people's lives. My fear is that older vets who may not have technology skills or equipment might be left out, but I would hope that Google would find ways to include them perhaps through local libraries. I see this idea as one that other companies may want to and should get involved in, in the future. It is important for us to stop and remember all those who have served for us, and Google is showing that even the simplest doodle can raise awareness and contemplation. 

STJ Women's Volleyball vs. Pittsburgh

          The St. John's Volleyball Team versed the Pittsburgh Panthers in Carnesecca Arena on Friday, November 4. The game was an intense one, as the set winning went back and forth, with St. John's losing the first, winning the second, losing the third, and winning the fourth. It was because of this that the game needed to go to a fifth set, which would be won by 15 points instead of the usual 25. Unfortunately, the Johnnies weren't able to pull off a win, but below is a video I took at the game of an exciting play. (You can even see Johnny Thunderbird dancing at one point!)

New York Magazine Price Increase

          With the financial state of newspapers and magazines becoming more precarious by the day, it's inevitable that prices of such publications are rising, and New York Magazine is the latest to make this price increase. As explained by Lucia Moses in an article on adweek.com, the new $5.99 price tag that will take effect with the December 26 issue is 20 percent higher than the current price, and double the 2007 price of $2.99. The magazine apparently decided to make this decision after testing higher prices on certain issues and observing that "sales remained steady." 

          Many see this move as just another sign of the times. The article explains that according to the Audit Bureau of Circulations, New York Magazine sales have experienced an exceptional drop in sales, down 21 percent in the first half of 2011. Experts blame this on the problem that has been plaguing basically all other publications - readers substituting a physical copy with the free content available on the website. New York Magazine hopes its price increase will help make up for some of these losses. 

Google Cable?

          When asking Americans what cable companies they use, popular answers include Time Warner, Verizon, Comcast, or DirecTV; now, Google, wants to get its name on this list. In an article found in today's edition of The Kansas City Star, Scott Canon expands on one published in the Wall Street Journal, stating that Google is exploring the idea of offering paid TV cable as well as internet, and maybe even phone service. The company has plans to test this idea out in Kansas City in early 2012. 

          There are still many things that are unclear about this plan, as it is in the early stages, and Google probably doesn't want to give away too much information before it is ready. It isn't certain what type of cables would be used to create this connection, although much faster speeds of data transmission are promised. The only word on price has been a statement by Google that it would be similar to other cable companies. 

          Experts are seeing this move as having great potential to redefine the Google company and to bring in high revenue. Although the Google TV platform that was released in 2010 has not received the greatest response, that platform is aimed toward internet TV. By entering the cable business on actual TV's, some say Google will gain standing as a leader in the entertainment industry, in addition to the internet industry. Many believe it will be successful in this area, because the advertising-based world is one that has become very natural to it, with all of the ways it has found to make a fortune off selling ads online.