You might think this logo is a parody but it’s not … Google has stepped up the emphasis on personalization, revamping its personalized front page and dubbing it iGoogle. The Official Google Blog says that was the internal name for the personalized front page. It’s the antithesis of the classic clean white front, which is still available. One addition being touted: the ability to make your own “Google Gadgets” — widgets that can be shared. The personalized service has been expanded to more countries and more languages.
Reuters: “Google is borrowing or reinventing ideas that have already become popular features on many social network sites such as MySpace, Facebook, Flickr, Bebo and Photobucket, where users are encouraged to share their own creative work with friends.” Since the service was introduced (without a cute name) two years ago, “Tens of millions” have signed up for the personalized service and Google claims them to be among the most active users.
AP: Co-founders Sergey Brin and Larry Page vetoed the “iGoogle” name originally but gave in after the service took off. Google says it was the fastest-growing product last year.
BW: Rob Hof: “I’m not sure yet what this will do for Google’s business, since the company isn’t currently and doesn’t yet plan to run ads on iGoogle pages. Once there’s a critical mass of groups of people whose gadgets indicate very clear and particular interests, however, I have to think it becomes very interesting to advertisers.” Google’s Marissa Mayer: “I actually see gadgets themselves as a new form of advertising.”
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