14 important things Google did in 2015

By Souvik Das | Updated Dec 16 2015
14 important things Google did in 2015

With great power comes great responsibility, and with great responsibility comes memorable incidents all across the year. Google, synonymous with technological greatness, has had a memorable year, yet again. 2015 was a year of new launches, optimisations, and also, a few blemishes. Here's looking at everything that Google did this year – ranging from the memorable to borderline 'evil'.

14 important things Google did in 2015

Pixel C tablet

In light of the Apple iPad Pro and the Microsoft Surface Pro 4, the Pixel C is Google's answer to the sudden war of 'premium' tablets. The Pixel C is powered by an NVIDIA Tegra X1 processor, 10.2-inch display, 3GB of RAM and 9000mAh battery, and has been priced upwards of $499.

However, widespread reviews and opinions point at a disparity between its premium build and rather mediocre interior operations.

14 important things Google did in 2015

Two Nexus smartphones

This year saw not one, but two Nexus smartphones – the LG-made Nexus 5X, and the Huawei-made Nexus 6P. The first Nexus devices to feature fingerprint sensors, the devices have been generally well-received, although its rather steep pricing in Europe has been a downside. Nevertheless, the new Nexus devices stand for Google's attempt at pure Android experiences, along with a first-time all-metal build on a Nexus device.

14 important things Google did in 2015

Chromecast Audio

Alongside updating the existing Chromecast, Chromecast Audio was an entirely new device that can convert your standard home audio equipment into wirelessly synchronised devices, reflecting Google's focus on providing complete solutions under a single umbrella. For $35, this may be a good tool for music enthusiasts looking to synchronise bedroom speakers with the living room audio setup.

14 important things Google did in 2015

Android Marshmallow

While its naming round was subject to much good-natured humour, Android M (v6.0) has been received positively across the tech fraternity, with the latest version of the OS featuring vertical app drawer scroll, Doze mode, Now on Tap and improved app permissions, bringing it closer to iOS than ever before. As far as this is concerned, 2015 is a year of success at Google's Android labs.

14 important things Google did in 2015

Project Loon

Google's balloon-powered internet project is ready for takeoff, and has been cleared for operations in India and Indonesia. Although its operational bandwidth recently posed a problem with India's telecom frequencies, CEO Sundar Pichai has reiterated its stance towards beginning operations in India. Project Loon may not only work towards solving connectivity issues in fringe areas, but improve overall connectivity everywhere.

14 important things Google did in 2015

Sundar Pichai as CEO

Indian-born Sundar Pichai was appointed as the CEO of Google on August 10, 2015. The first Indian-born CEO of Google has been enthusiastic about improving the Android experience, and bring Google to a wider audience than the existing one billion-plus. On December 16, 2015, Pichai paid his first visit to India, making a number of announcements including the upcoming launch of the Asus Chromebit in India.

14 important things Google did in 2015

Formation of Alphabet

Google founders Sergey Brin and Larry Page made a massive internal shift of operational structure, forming parent company Alphabet, under which lies Fiber, Google, Nest, Ventures and X Labs. While Google continues to operate steadily, Alphabet signals the formation of one of the most powerful umbrellas in the world.

14 important things Google did in 2015

Change of logo

This was met with mixed reception across the world. The fifth major redesign of the Google logo shifted the letters from Serif to Sans Serif, along with a change of the Google icon. While the colour trend remains the same, many didn't really love the new logo at first sight, which fell in tandem with the newly-formed Alphabet's logo.

14 important things Google did in 2015

TensorFlow open-sourced

Google open-sourced its second generation Deep Learning algorithm, TensorFlow, used by its engineers for core services. Based on neural networks and the functioning of the human response system, TensorFlow may prove to be a crucial tool in future innovation.

14 important things Google did in 2015

Largest investment in clean energy

Partnering with numerous clean energy sources to add 842 megawatts of clean energy that will power its own data centers, Google became the highest non-utility investor in clean energy. The contract extends to around 10-20 years, and Google will mutually provide these energy sources with financial resources, when in need.

14 important things Google did in 2015

Google Cardboard and Virtual Reality

Virtual Reality has seen HTC, Microsoft and others many enthusiastic investments, and Google would have never been left out. The Cardboard VR headset allows you to play VR content on your smartphone and view it via the affordable unit. Also, teaming up with adventure equipment manufacturer GoPro, Google has worked towards taking 360-degree virtual reality content to higher levels of usage and application.

14 important things Google did in 2015

More driverless cars falling in trouble

This year has seen a number of isolated incidents surrounding Google's array of driverless cars. The cars have been a part of around eleven 'minor' accidents, and have also been pulled over for going too slow. The driverless cars have been on trial runs for a while now, and with rising accident count, Google will possibly need to look at more cautious and practical approaches to execute this futuristic technology.

14 important things Google did in 2015

Stance against Net Neutrality

While the Net Neutrality debate was rampant across India, a leaked email conversation between Google and the Internet and Mobile Association of India led to sudden revelation of Google's negative stance to Net Neutrality. Vineeta Dixit of Google's Public Policy and Government Relations had reportedly filed a "strong" disposition against zero rating plans, which, obviously, did not go down too well within the angry Indian tech community.

14 important things Google did in 2015

Accusations and penalty imposed by the CCI

The Competition Commision of India found Google guilty of favouring its own content over others, thereby judged guilty of forging search results in its favour. The investigation is long-drawn, and may result in Google being slapped with a fine as heavy as 10% of its three-year annual average turnover.