November 2012 Summaries

In a diverse array of topics, the blog post highlights a campaign launched to promote a #freeandopen Internet in anticipation of a governmental meeting that may lead to increased censorship, emphasizing that users, not just governments, should have a say in Internet policies. It encourages readers to learn more and participate in related discussions through Google Developers Live events. The post also delves into intriguing scientific research from the Large Hadron Collider, where scientists are investigating the existence of a theorized new form of matter known as color-glass condensate, suggested by unexpected quantum entanglement in particles. Additionally, it shares a captivating video of lava from the Kilauea Volcano flowing into the ocean, inviting viewers to observe the natural spectacle via a webcam. The blog, which typically covers developer topics, uses its Fridaygram series to explore broader, sometimes critical issues, such as the mentioned Internet freedom initiative.

In November 2012, Google announced several enhancements to its Cloud Platform, including the introduction of 36 new Compute Engine instances, Durable Reduced Availability (DRA) storage, Object Versioning, and support for European data centers. A significant aspect of this announcement was the reduction in the price of Google Cloud Storage by over 30%, which includes an additional 10% cut beyond an earlier reduction of 20%. This price reduction applies to all Cloud Storage regions and the newly introduced DRA Storage, reinforcing Google's commitment to providing cost-effective cloud solutions for businesses and developers. Dave Barth, a Product Manager from the Google Cloud Storage team, emphasized the potential of technology to transform the world, highlighting Google's dedication to offering valuable cloud services.

Artem Livshits, CEO of OblakSoft, shares his experience using Google Cloud Storage to enhance a WordPress blog's performance by alleviating server load and ensuring data protection. The Cloud Storage Engine for MySQL (ClouSE) developed by OblakSoft allows WordPress data to be stored in Google Cloud Storage, improving reliability, speed, and reducing hosting costs without needing a Content Distribution Network (CDN) due to Google's infrastructure. By using the WP2Cloud WordPress plugin, media files are uploaded to Google Cloud Storage and served directly, while web pages are managed by WordPress. This approach maintains data availability and durability, allowing for scalable global distribution of media files, and can be integrated into any hosting provider. Livshits highlights the simplicity of integrating Google Cloud Storage with applications and the exciting potential of Google Cloud Platform for powering dynamic web server applications.

Google Code-in 2012, starting on November 26, invites 13-17-year-old pre-university students worldwide to explore open source software development while winning prizes. Participants can select tasks across five categories—coding, documentation/training, quality assurance, research/outreach, and user interface—designed by ten open source organizations providing mentorship. Successful participants earn certificates, t-shirts, and a chance for a trip to Google's Mountain View campus in California for Grand Prize Winners, with each organization selecting two winners, totaling 20 winners. The contest, which last year attracted 542 students from 56 countries, runs until January 14, 2013. Students can sign up, review rules and FAQs, and join discussions on the program site, with a live discussion hosted by Google's Open Source Programs Office available for further engagement.

In a 2012 update, Google Cloud Platform announced enhancements across its services, including Google App Engine, Cloud Storage, BigQuery, and Compute Engine, driven by user feedback and aimed at improving user experience. Key changes included the introduction of Durable Reduced Availability (DRA) storage, which offers cost savings by reducing data redundancy while maintaining performance and durability, and lower storage costs with over a 20% price reduction for standard storage. Additionally, Google expanded European datacenter support for quicker performance and international redundancy and introduced 36 new Compute Engine instance types, including high memory and high CPU options, alongside price reductions for existing instances. The update also featured Persistent Disk Snapshotting for easy data backup and mobility. These upgrades reflect Google's commitment to providing flexible, cost-effective cloud solutions for developers and businesses.

Google Developers Live (GDL) offers a platform for learning about Google's tools and platforms through live and archived technical content, with an innovative suggestion by Tokyo-based Google Developer Advocate Eiji Kitamura to use GDL video captions as a method for non-native speakers to improve their English skills while learning about technology. This method gained popularity and was translated into several languages, including Korean, Spanish, and Hebrew. Additionally, the post explores the rediscovery of llacme plenipes, a rare millipede species with 562 to 750 legs, believed extinct until found in central California in 2006. For entertainment, the text recommends Ingress, a game that combines online and real-world elements, encouraging users to balance gameplay with family time. This blend of educational and whimsical topics diverges from Google's typical focus on tools and events, offering a broader range of content to engage readers.

Women Techmakers (WTM) is an initiative launched by Google on Google Developers Live to promote diversity and inclusion by highlighting the accomplishments of women in the tech industry. The inaugural WTM programming showcased six prominent women who shared insights on topics ranging from product testing and startup pitches to data visualization and handling large data sets. The initiative aims to inspire more women to contribute their expertise to the tech community, as evidenced by positive feedback from community members like Meghan Peters. Video highlights of the sessions include infographics on the 2012 Presidential Election by JESS3, hardware testing with Pixel Qi & One Laptop Per Child, and discussions on startup investment criteria with Startup VC and NewME Accelerator. Google encourages suggestions for future WTM participants, inviting the community to nominate inspiring women using the hashtag #WTM.

Google Developers Live (GDL) hosted a week-long digital innovation event from November 13, 2012, featuring agencies and developers from the Creative Sandbox gallery who collaborated with Google product experts to discuss their projects, challenges, and breakthroughs. The event aired daily at 2:30 pm EST, offering a schedule that included sessions focused on Mobile, YouTube API, DoubleClick Rich Media, Google+ API, and Geo API, with featured agencies such as Beattie McGuinness Bungay, Saatchi & Saatchi LA, and McCann New York. Participants had the opportunity to RSVP through a Google+ Event, tune in live, and explore the Creative Sandbox gallery. The event aimed to inspire creative professionals and developers with innovative uses of Google tools and technologies while promoting the creation of impactful digital campaigns.

The release of mod_pagespeed 1.1.23.1, an open-source Apache module aimed at optimizing web pages, introduces significant enhancements for high-traffic sites and multi-server environments by integrating support for memcached, which allows resource sharing among multiple Apache servers, thereby reducing server load time and improving utilization. This update also improves logging and statistics reporting to facilitate tracking resource consumption and optimization effectiveness across various hosted sites. Additional features include enhanced CSS optimization, support for CSS media queries, and filters like fallback_rewrite_css_urls and flatten_css_imports to boost performance out-of-the-box. Furthermore, the module now offers improved interaction with mod_spdy, enabling easier deployment of SPDY for faster page load times, making the tool even more beneficial for network providers hosting multiple websites.

JAM with Chrome is a web app experiment that allows users to play music collaboratively in real time using 19 different instruments, including drums, guitars, and keyboards, with the option to use keyboard shortcuts to simulate playing. After enjoying the musical experience, users can delve into the app's design and technology through an available case study, potentially inspiring them to create their own web app or pursue a musical career. Meanwhile, scientists have utilized the Fermi Large Area Telescope to analyze light from every star that has ever existed, dating back over 13 billion years, offering profound insights into the universe. On a more terrestrial note, Google Maps has enhanced its service by adding over 25 million new building footprints to its desktop and mobile versions, enriching the user experience with more detailed maps. This Fridaygram, a playful diversion from usual content, celebrates these intriguing developments, from music-making technology to cosmic discoveries and improved digital mapping.

DevFest season, an event series hosted by Google Developer Groups (GDGs) worldwide, is nearing its conclusion, featuring a wide array of activities and discussions across various locations. Highlights include live updates from DevFest Lima, a packed schedule of talks and demos at DevFest Chennai with 365 attendees, and a gathering of 200 developers at DevFest Beijing that included discussions on Android, Google Maps API, and HTML5, as well as a panel on leveraging technology for startups. DevFest Hyderabad offered both engaging activities with Google technologies and open-source resources, while GDG Algiers hosted a keynote by Googler Patrick Heneghen. Upcoming events are scheduled in various cities, including Dubai, Brazza, and Moscow, offering developers more opportunities to connect and learn. Phoebe Peronto from Google encourages developers to engage with local GDG chapters and utilize Google Developers Live for continuous interaction.

Google Cloud SQL, a MySQL database hosted on Google's cloud platform, has received significant updates to enhance performance and scalability, particularly for applications with a large user base. These updates include an increase in available storage to 100GB, a fourfold increase in maximum instance size to 16GB RAM for faster data caching, and the addition of optional asynchronous replication for improved write performance while maintaining availability. Additionally, users can now choose to operate their Cloud SQL instances from either US or EU data centers, and integration with Google Apps Script facilitates seamless data management with Google Apps like Sheets and Sites. To encourage adoption, Google introduced a six-month trial offer, available until June 1, 2013, which includes one Cloud SQL instance with 0.5GB of storage at no cost.

Marking the 100th anniversary of El Ajedrecista, recognized as the first computer game, Google and the Technical University of Madrid are hosting a conference to honor its creator, Leonardo Torres-Quevedo, and his various inventions, including a functioning cable car over the Niagara Whirlpool. The conference, taking place on November 7th, will feature lectures and exhibits, highlighting Torres-Quevedo's innovative machine that plays a chess endgame from a superior position. Meanwhile, a new study reveals that the sandstone blocks of Angkor Wat were transported via canals from quarries 37 kilometers away, providing a more efficient explanation than previous theories. Additionally, the Google Art Project has expanded its collection to include new artworks from Italy, Turkey, Peru, the U.S., and China, offering a diverse array of cultural experiences.