Google has just released a free software package designed to help computers operate more safely and smoothly – a “generous” gesture commonly seen from this tech giant in its efforts to penetrate the software domain.
This software package is designed to assist users in easily installing and maintaining essential applications, transforming the computer into a hub for information, entertainment, and telecommunications in the new technology era.
With this initiative, Google clearly aims to demonstrate its position as a “benefactor,” widely supporting users to unlock the full potential of their computers that may still be “sleeping.” Moreover, it indirectly challenges the image of other major software companies, especially Microsoft, which has often faced criticism from users for being stingy in assisting individual customers.
“Why not make sitting by the computer more enjoyable, simpler, yet still more powerful?” asked Marissa Mayer, Google’s Vice President of Search Products and User Experience, with a shrug. This software package includes up to six proprietary programs from Google.
Notable applications include Google Earth, a 3D imagery browser that allows users to “tour” around the globe via satellite, zooming in to street level, searching for maps, directions, hotel addresses, local restaurants, and more. Google Desktop, a tool for searching data stored on your computer, encompasses all emails, files, web browsing history, etc. Picasa: software for organizing and managing photos, enabling you to search, edit, and share images in an instant. It effortlessly fixes red-eye issues and enhances image quality, even for amateurs. …
Except for Norton’s antivirus program, which allows a six-month trial, the other seven applications in the “Google Pack” have been released online for free.
“A marketplace where no one pays”
What Google is doing is simply creating an “open marketplace,” providing all applications along with tools that simplify the installation and updating process for these programs. Neither Google nor the companies whose products are included in the “Google Pack” pays each other anything.
Of course, the idea of bundling various free software into one package is not new, but clearly, when it comes from a source like Google, its impact on global consumers will be immense. Furthermore, it also gnaws at Microsoft’s current power.
If Google Pack becomes popular, software companies will undoubtedly line up to have their products included in future versions – a phenomenon that will give Google greater control over the software distribution and supply system. Forrester Research even suggests that Google could become the “arbiter” holding the power to determine which software is good and which is poor.
However, all of this is still a matter of the future. Right now, the only thing Google hopes for is to make personal computers easier to use and more enjoyable. When that happens, people will spend more time on their computers, and Google believes it will receive more search requests, leading to increased advertising revenue. Ultimately, stock prices and the company’s overall market value will continue to soar.
In an effort to curb Google’s rapid growth, Microsoft has heavily invested in Internet search tools over the years. Despite this, Google’s market share continues to expand, prompting the company to embark on a direct expansion campaign threatening Microsoft. “I can imagine a day when operating systems will be able to store data better thanks to the Internet,” the beautiful Mayer declared.
The current release of Google Pack includes Adobe Systems’ Acrobat Reader, Real Networks’ music player, Mozilla’s Firefox web browser, and the IM program Trillian.
You can download this software package at: http://pack.google.com/pack_installer_required.html
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