Skip to main content

Google rebranding continues: Picasa and Blogger up next

photos and blogsFor far too long Google struggled to bring a viable social platform to the field. There were missteps and downright disasters, but plenty of its issues could also be attributed to the dreaded F word: Fragmentation. With its Chrome browser and OS, various Google web properties, and Android mobile operating system, Google struggled to showcase brand unity and steer consumers in the right direction.

Fortunately, it looks like Google+ is getting the company on the right foot. While its staying power remains to be seen, the new social network has caused quite the stir and is getting some positive feedback from industry veterans. And Google arguably deserves the praise: Earlier this year, as we all critically eyed Google, waiting for the rumored Facebook Killer, its layered approach to social seemed too little, too late. The addition of the top bar (now blackened and including the +You signage), updated login system (the right-hand side gear icon), improved Google Profiles, and socialized Gmail interface have actually come together to offer a competent and competitive platform.

And Google recognizes a good thing when it sees it. Gmail recently underwent a makeover, unifying the layout with Google+, and now the remodel will continue. According to Mashable, Google will rename its web properties Blogger and Picasa, Google Blogs and Google Photos, respectively. Google’s various web applications are also likely to get the unified treatment, especially the more social-friendly elements that will tie in nicely to Google+. The switch is likely to come within the next six weeks, as Google prepares to bring Google+ out of beta and will coincide with the elimination of all private Google Profiles.

It’s a step towards folding all of its outer features into Google+, making it clear that the social service isn’t meant to stand on equal ground with Google’s other applications. It just more proof that Google is really serious about Google+, and that this is a major investment of its time and resources. What else will be rebranded is unknown, we wouldn’t be surprised to see a variety of properties tied into Google+.

Molly McHugh
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Before coming to Digital Trends, Molly worked as a freelance writer, occasional photographer, and general technical lackey…
Does the Moto G Stylus have NFC?
Moto G Stylus 5G 2023 leaning

The Motorola Moto G Stylus is a line of midrange Android smartphones, each of which comes packing a stylus — as the name ,akes clear. The two latest models are the Moto G Stylus (2023) and the Moto G Stylus 5G (2023). Although these models are similar, they have some noticeable differences, including their support for near-field communication (NFC) technology. This article will examine which Moto G Stylus models come with NFC and which do not.
What is NFC?

Near-field communication (NFC) is a technology that lets two gadgets communicate with each other when they are within a few centimeters of each other. It is useful for touch payments, e-tickets, data sharing, and effortlessly linking devices via Bluetooth and Wi-Fi.

Read more
Galaxy AI is now available for these other Samsung phones
A white Samsung Galaxy S23 next to a pink Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus.

In January, Samsung introduced its Galaxy AI features alongside its Galaxy S24 series of smartphones. Since then, if you've wanted to use Galaxy AI, you've needed a Galaxy S24, Galaxy S24 Plus, or Galaxy S24 Ultra. That's about to change.

Samsung just announced that it's about to bring those Galaxy AI features to a lot more devices, meaning you'll soon be able to use Galaxy AI even if you don't have a Galaxy S24.

Read more
Visible just made its unlimited 5G plan better than ever
Visible wireless phones and plans featured

Digital wireless service provider Visible has announced upgrades to its premium Visible+ phone plan. The highlight is a new Global Pass feature that allows Visible customers to use their phones in 140 countries worldwide.

The Visible Global Pass offers unlimited talk and text services, along with 2GB of high-speed data, for a flat rate of $10 per day. Visible+ members can also enjoy a free Global Pass usage day every month. The activation process can be done through the Visible app.

Read more