Google to Acquire Panoramio

By Geoff Duncan Published June 1, 2007

Google to Acquire Panoramio

Google has announced plans to acquire photo-sharing service Panoramio for an undisclosed amount. Based in Spain, Panoramio enables users to plot their photos on the earth using Google Maps and Google Earth, and let other users view them based on location. The companies have been working together for over a year; Google has already integrated data from Panoramio into a browseable data layer in Google Earth, which in turn helped Panoramio’s database grow to more than a million images.

Google says it plans to integrate Panoramio’s technology and services more deeply into its products as well as build out Panoramio’s infrastructure; users shouldn’t see any immediate change in Panoramio’s operation. Panoramio is giving its existing users an option to remove their images and personal data before the material is transferred to Google.

Recommended Videos

The move is generally seen as a boost to Google’s photo-sharing portfolio, which has historically been far behind that of rival Yahoo, which owns the popular photo sharing service Flickr. Flickr users can also map their photos on Google Earth, but the images don’t appear as a default data layer.

Former Digital Trends Contributor

Geoff Duncan writes, programs, edits, plays music, and delights in making software misbehave. He's probably the only member…

Smart Home

Google Nest Doorbell vs. Ring Video Doorbell (2nd Gen): which is better for your front door?

Ring Video Doorbell 2nd gen on doorway

Take a stroll through any neighborhood, and you're bound to encounter more than a few video doorbells. These nifty devices have grown in popularity over the years, with companies like Ring, Google, Arlo, and Wyze offering their own take on the hardware. But of all the products available today, few are as well-regarded as the Google Nest Doorbell and Ring Video Doorbell (2nd Gen).

These two devices are easy to install, capture high-quality footage, and bring an added layer of security to your front door. But which of the two is the better purchase -- the Nest Doorbell or the Ring Video Doorbell? Here's a look at both video doorbells to help you decide.
Design

Smart Home

The best smart light switch for Alexa, Google Home, and HomeKit

The Kasa app being used to control the Kasa Smart Dimmer Switch.

One of the most satisfying smart home devices to see in action are smart lights. The thrill of dimming bulbs and changing colors with an app or voice commands has yet to wear off, and it’s one of the easiest products to set up, schedule, and troubleshoot. But what if you want to add smart capabilities to an existing light fixture? If you’re dealing with a ceiling fan, sconce, or some other pre-wired bulbs, you’ll just need to invest in a smart light switch.

These web-connected products come in multiple gang box sizes, and are sold by many different companies. Not all switches are created equal though, and we wanted to round up the best options for those with Alexa, Google Home, and HomeKit ecosystems. So we’ve done just that!

Smart Home

The most common Google Home problems and how to fix them

best google home compatible devices hands on 4652

Apple HomeKit, Amazon Alexa, and Google Home make up the three biggest smart home platforms on the planet. Google Home is popular thanks to its lineup of Nest products, which includes the Nest Hub Max, Nest Doorbell, and Nest Cam, along with many other devices. Best of all, Google Home supports a wide array of third-party products, giving users an easy way to link all their gadgets together and control them from one streamlined app.

But, as you'd expect, getting all these devices working seamlessly isn't always as easy as it sounds. The Google Home platform is also susceptible to the same issues as other smart home platforms, which include various connectivity hiccups and problems with voice commands. Solving these problems is usually pretty easy -- that is, once you know where to look.