Google's Problem with Facebook
Google released a personalized news feed for phones this week, showing a stream of content based on people’s location, search histories and topics they’ve selected to follow. It’s a significant new update that represents a very different tack for Google. The feed is designed to make the user aware they’re on Google, and to proactively give them information without them explicitly seeking it. Traditionally search has served users information only when they seek it out. At first blush, the feature is useful, especially for those who may not like having to wade through a clutter of social media comments. It also has the potential for more ad placements in the future. But — and here’s the latest rub — Google is having a little trouble with rolling it out on devices that run the company’s very own Android mobile operating system. The reason for the hiccup has to do with how the feed works on Android home screens. The feed is part of the Google app, which is accessed as a home screen on ...