When Google acquired the telecom start-up GrandCentral last summer, it soaked up the company’s philanthropic efforts right alongside its new technologies, including a plan called Project CARE to provide phone numbers to the homeless. Another piece of that plan came to fruition on Wednesday, when the mayor of San Francisco announced that Google would use GrandCentral to provide phone numbers and voicemail to homeless citizens across the entire city.
Tag Archive: Francisco
MapJack Competes with Google StreetView
Google StreetView has a new competitor. Weeks after Google released StreetView to the public, which allows users to move a character around on a map and see things from his virtual perspective, MapJack.com has launched an identical service for the city of San Francisco.
"Most people are intimidated by maps – they’re confusing and complicated, especially when you need instant information," said MapJack CTO Bjorn Moren, in a statement. "We’ve tried to make it easier for travelers to plan their trips to the city by letting them actually look at their destinations and what’s around them."
San Francisco, Earthlink Ink Wi-Fi Deal
Following a long period of negotiation and debate, the city of San Francisco has inked a deal with Internet service provider Earthlink to provide universal, affordable Wi-Fi Internet access for the city. The deal is one of the most high-profile metropolitan Wi-Fi efforts—and, although unnamed in the agreement, Google apparently has a hand in operating aspects of the service.
XM Radio Launches MyFi Portable Player
The Delphi MyFi, the first personal, portable XM2GO satellite radio that delivers XM’s Ultimate PlayList
Apple Opens San Francisco Store Tomorrow
From Apple’s press release:
Apple’s first retail store in the city of San Francisco will open in Union Square at One Stockton Street on Saturday, February 28 at 10:00 a.m. PST. The store will be one of Apple’s five flagship stores worldwide, joining flagship stores in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles and Tokyo.
“Our innovative, hands-on stores continue to delight customers and attract thousands who want to learn about and buy Apple’s full line of products,” said Ron Johnson, Apple’s senior vice president of Retail. “We look forward to opening our next incredible retail location this Saturday in the heart of San Francisco.â€

