There might not be anything that can stop Google (GOOG 3.02%) (GOOGL 3.45%). Formerly known as a search engine and little else, Google has effectively transitioned itself away from the personal computer and could be a dominant presence in virtually everything we do at home.
Google has made huge investments across a number of categories and industries, including Internet connectivity, automotive, wearable devices, and even smoke detectors. In the era of smart devices and mobile growth, it's hard to come up with a company better positioned to take advantage than Google. If for nothing else, Google will be involved in so many aspects of our lives that it's hard to envision an end to its momentum. Google is firing on all cylinders, with little to stand in the way.
Its recently released earnings report was yet another indication that its mobile strategy is really gaining traction. Its newest investments are equally promising as well. Google's Android operating system is the driving force behind its ambitions, and its moves into new devices and services mean that there's plenty of innovation to come.
Android invades the home
Earlier this year, Google acquired wireless start-up Alpental Technologies for an undisclosed sum. This will boost Google's extremely fast Fiber Internet, since Alpental was developing a high-speed service in the 60GHz band.
The move brings Google one step closer to branching out Fiber across the U.S., a strategy which is still in the early stages. Importantly, Alpental's technology is described as ultra-low power, according to the company. Google's Fiber expansion efforts have been hindered thus far by the cost of building out the necessary infrastructure for such a high-speed service.
Blazing fast Internet is a perfect complement to Google's other devices for the home. It's clear that Google wants to control both connectivity and devices themselves. Recall that Google bought the smart thermostat and smoke detector company Nest for $3.2 billion.
Google's Android TV will be a nice complement as well. The Android TV will be voice activated. You will be able to talk into your phone to pull things up on your television, and you can broadcast images from your phone onto the television as well.
The vast spreading of Android is incredible. There are now more than 1 billion Android devices across the globe, and Google is now benefiting even more because of its Play store.
Google's grand ambitions
Even away from the living room, Google is placing Android on a much bigger stage. This makes sense, of course, since Android's huge success is a major reason Google has posted such great earnings over the past several years. Android is the most-used mobile software in the world, allowing Google to invade almost every category of device possible. The newest ventures are in smart watches and automobiles.
Google has unveiled two smartphones offered through Samsung (NASDAQOTH: SSNLF) and LG that will be powered by Android.
The Samsung Gear Live will be available immediately, and Google's software will be aware of the user's environment. Functionality will include the ability to monitor your health, play music, and sync apps and information with your phone.
Android is about to enter the automotive industry as well. Google announced other software innovations that are very intriguing. One is called Android Drive, which will be used in automobiles and could be rolled out by the end of this year. It will include improvements to existing navigation and communication systems, and will be controlled by the driver's voice. Of course, the biggest automobile-related innovation out of Google is the self-driving car, which management has confirmed is in the works.
Add it all up and there's reason to believe that Google's habit of posting huge growth quarter after quarter isn't about to end.
Results speak for themselves
Google's second-quarter report is proof that its strategy is working. Revenue and earnings per share each jumped 22% year over year. This quarter was the 18th in a row in which Google posted at least 20% revenue growth.
From this, it's clear just how powerful Google's businesses are. Momentum should continue going forward thanks to its broad ambitions.
In the near future, Google might have a hand in nearly everything we do. Its Android operating system is already the major force in smartphones. Now you can add watches, thermostats, Internet service, television, and even automotive services to Google's resume.
