Google’s new Privacy Policy

Our updated Privacy Policy takes effect today, March 1. As you use our products one thing will be clear: it’s the same Google experience that you’re used to, with the same controls.

And because we’re making these changes, over time we’ll be able to improve our products in ways that help our users get the most from the web.

While we’ve undertaken the most extensive user education campaign in our history to explain the coming changes, we know there has been a fair amount of chatter and confusion.

Here are a few important points to bear in mind:

Our Privacy Policy is now much easier to understand.

We’ve included the key parts from more than 60 product-specific notices into our main Google Privacy Policy—so there’s no longer any need to be your own mini search engine if you want to work out what’s going on. Our Privacy Policy now explains, for the vast majority of our services, what data we’re collecting and how we may use it, in plain language.

Our Privacy Policy will enable us to build a better, more intuitive user experience across Google for signed-in users.

If you’re signed in to Google, you expect our products to work really beautifully together. For example, if you’re working on Google Docs and you want to share it with someone on Gmail, you want their email right there ready to use. Our privacy policies have always allowed us to combine information from different products with your account—effectively using your data to provide you with a better service. However, we’ve been restricted in our ability to combine your YouTube and Search histories with other information in your account. Our new Privacy Policy gets rid of those inconsistencies so we can make more of your information available to you when using Google.

So in the future, if you do frequent searches for Jamie Oliver, we could recommend Jamie Oliver videos when you’re looking for recipes on YouTube—or we might suggest ads for his cookbooks when you’re on other Google properties.

Our privacy controls aren’t changing.

The new policy doesn’t change any existing privacy settings or how any personal information is shared outside of Google. We aren’t collecting any new or additional information about users. We won’t be selling your personal data. And we will continue to employ industry-leading security to keep your information safe.

If you don’t think information sharing will improve your experience, you can use our privacy tools to do things like edit or turn off your search history and YouTube history, control the way Google tailors ads to your interests and browse the web “incognito” using Chrome. You can use services like Search, Maps and YouTube if you are not signed in. You can even separate your information into different accounts, since we don’t combine personal information across them. And we’re committed to data liberation, so if you want to take your information elsewhere you can.

We’ll continue to look for ways to make it simpler for you to understand and control how we use the information you entrust to us. We build Google for you, and we think these changes will make our services even better.

Posted by Alma Whitten, Director of Privacy, Product and Engineering

EASY YELLOW

ph: Columbine Smille | Angelica Blick

Loving this easy combo on Columbine + Angelica.
Just throw on a bright yellow jacket, basic tee, boyfriend jeans, a fun pair of heels + you're set!

Get the look...
· Elizabeth and James Harlow Jacket
· Gryphon Happy Jacket
· Wilt BASE Long Sleeve Tee
· Madewell Destroyed Indigo Boy Jeans
· MiH Halsy Vintage Straight Leg
· ALDO Flicker Courts
· River Island Claire Snake Print Platform Shoes

Manhattan Bridge by Matt Weber

Great shot by Matt Weber.

Understanding accessibility at CSUN 2012

This week we’re attending the 27th annual CSUN International Technology and Persons with Disabilities Conference. As the Internet evolves, screen readers, browsers and other tools for accessibility need to grow to meet the complexity of the modern web. Conferences like CSUN are an opportunity to check in with web users with disabilities: not just to share our progress in making online technologies accessible, but to also discuss improvements for the future.

Who are these users? In August, we conducted a survey with the American Council of the Blind, to find out more about how people with sight impairment use the web. We received nearly 1,000 responses from people who are blind or visually impaired, from a wide range of professions in 57 countries: teachers, software developers, social workers, writers, psychologists, musicians and students. The results paint a picture of why it is critical to improve the accessibility of web applications. Of the respondents:

• Almost 90 percent reported regularly using the web to keep in touch with friends and family
• Over half use a smartphone, and over half own more than one computer
• Over two-thirds of respondents said they use social media
• Over 50 percent have completed a baccalaureate degree, and of those, 30 percent have gone on to to postgraduate studies at the masters' or Ph.D. level
• Of those who are currently students, over 70 percent have their assistive technology provided for by their school
• However, for those who have left school and are of working age, 46 percent are unemployed

Better web accessibility has the potential to increase educational and employment opportunities, provide social cohesion and enable independence for the people with disabilities. We imagine a future for the web where the most visually complex applications can be rendered flawlessly to screen readers and other assistive devices that don't rely on sight, using technologies that work seamlessly on browsers and smartphones.


[click here for audio description]

Since we last attended CSUN, we’ve made several improvements to the accessibility of our products:

• ChromeVox (in beta) provides a screen reader that's built for the web, right inside Chrome.
• We've improved accessibility for Google Docs, Sites and Calendar, including keyboard shortcuts and better support in modern screen readers
• Android 4.0 introduces touch exploration and out-of-box accessibility activation
• We've also expanded caption support on YouTube—improving access to broadcast and direct-to-web videos for people who are deaf or hard of hearing

If you're attending CSUN 2012, we hope you'll come up and say hello at one of our talks on the accessibility of our products, including the use of video in Google+ and Docs and accessibility on Android devices. And Friday we’ll host a Q&A Fireside chat with Google product teams. You can also try some of these improvements out at our two hands-on demo sessions on Thursday, in the Connaught breakout room:

• 10am to 12pm—Chromebooks and new features in Google Apps
• 1pm to 3pm—Android 4.0 Galaxy Nexus phones

If you're not attending CSUN 2012, we'd love to hear your thoughts on accessibility in our web forum.

Posted by Naomi Black, Engineering Program Manager, Google Accessibility

STRIPES + CÉLINE FLORALS

ph: Vogue UK

Dasha Zhukova in two of my favorite things ♥
For a similar look, try this floral jacket + this striped shirt.

Google@SXSW: A taste of the Googleplex, in Austin

Part of what makes Google such a fun place to work is that there’s always something going on: diverse talks, lunchtime concerts, impromptu game tournaments, you name it—all wrapped up with a collective passion for building a better web. So when we were thinking of what we should do for this year’s SXSW, it was pretty obvious: let’s package up a few of the things that we love about Google and bring them with us to Austin, Texas.

Interactive talks
Our participation kicks off on Friday, March 9, in a fireside chat where senior vice president Vic Gundotra will discuss the future of the Google+ project with Guy Kawasaki. We also have Googlers speaking on more than 25 panels, covering topics as varied as the design of Google and YouTube, changing the world through hacking and WebGL’s impact on the web.

Google Village
On March 10-11 we’ll open up the Google Village. We’re taking over Rainey Street (just a few steps away from the Austin Convention Center), setting up shop in four houses and packing them full of demos, drinks, talks and, of course, live music. Here’s what you can expect at each of the houses:

• Android House: We’re showcasing the latest and greatest from Android, including phones and tablets running Android 4.0, live music on the backyard stage, and a look at cool entertainment for your device.
• Google Maps House: Interested in enhancing Google Maps with biking directions or updating the business information in your local neighborhood? We'll show you how, plus many other ways you can add more map data to the places you know and love.
• Developer House: Participate in code labs and spend a day with the team building LEGO® MINDSTORMS® race bots controlled by Android, leading up to the ultimate rumble Sunday evening. Learn more on the Developers Blog.
• Discovery House: Find out more about our latest creative and advertising products, and see how Google can help you expand your business—or maybe start one.

Live from the Lot
There’s no place like Austin for live music, and on March 15-16 Google Music and YouTube Presents will host Live from the Lot, two days of concerts atop a downtown parking garage. We’ll have performances by The Shins, Gossip, The Ting Tings, Best Coast and Heartless Bastards, to name a few. If you can't make it in person, tune in online for a full live stream of both days’ shows at youtube.com/presents.

Plus, artists officially showcasing at SXSW can also stop by our artist lounge at Live from the Lot to relax and recharge with food, laundry machines, massages and more.

Get more details about our plans for SXSW on our website. The trucks just finished packing up the last Android statue, and we’re all ready to go. It’s Austin or bust—hope to see you there!

Update March 2: Follow ongoing updates about SXSW on their Google+ page. And don't forget to use the hashtag #GoogleSXSW to share your experiences at the Google Village and our other events.

Posted by Marc Vanlerberghe, Marketing Director for Android

A cafe racer view

VA-VA-VOOM

ph: ELLE Sweden

Loving these modern sixties Italian bombshell looks!
It's making me wish there was a Grease remake where they wear the best of the S/S 2012 collections. Can you imagine what the pink ladies would wear?! Prada? Flaming heels? Swoon!

Get the look...
· Bandeau With Paisley Print from ASOS
· Woven T-Shirt With Car Print from ASOS
· Basket Weave Jacket from Tibi
· Pink River Island Lace Pencil Skirt from ASOS
· Holiday Dangle Earrings from Noir Jewelry
· KG Elsie Pointed Court Shoes from ASOS
· Coral River Island Pencil Skirt from ASOS

Tattoo & Lingerie

Buon giorno e buona settimana a tutti.
Chi di voi stamani si è svegliato vicino a una lady del genere? ...lucky bastards...

RED HOT

ph: Just Jared

Diane Kruger looked stunning in Calvin Klein at the Vanity Fair Oscar party!
My 3 favorite looks from the awards were Gwyneth Paltrow, Rooney Mara + Angelina Jolie.
What were your top picks?

DRESS UP

1. Amukaji Sequined Gown from By Malene Birger
2. Lafayette Cat Eye Sunglasses from Elizabeth & James
3. Calf hair wristlet clutch from Lanvin
4. Thin Smooth Gold Double Cuffs from ASOS
5. Like A Virgin Nail Polish from Deborah Lippmann
6. Licorice Suede Pumps from Kate Spade New York

The Way of the Desert Sled

BLOOM TOWN

ph: W Magazine

A.M.A.Z.I.N.G. + styled by none other than the lovely Giovanna Battaglia.

Get the look...
· Blazer In Floral Print from ASOS
· Botanical Ombre Jeans from Alexander Wang
· Orra Mirrored Pumps from Boutique 9
· Printed Silk Blouse from No. 21
· Cropped Trousers In Floral Print from ASOS
· Holster Draped Front Botanical Dress from Alexander Wang
· Printed Silk Shift Dress from No. 21
· Pencil Skirt In Floral Print from ASOS
· Printed Silk Shorts from No. 21

Ton Up Spirit Magazine n.4

http://tonupspiritmagazine.blogspot.com/

Ecco il n.4

Sfogliatelo e godetevelo!

SIMPLE + SEXY

ph: Grazia | Stockholm StreetStyle

Christine Centenera is a master at creating such simple + sexy looks.
The thigh slit in the skirt makes all the difference.

Opening the Oscar (search) envelope

Time to polish the champagne flutes and brush up on your movie trivia—it’s almost Oscar night again. Before you make any Oscar bets, get an edge by exploring Google Insights for Search. Out of the major entertainment awards shows (Tonys, Emmys, Grammys) the Oscars are the most popular in terms of search volume, and as we discovered last year, patterns in search behavior can help us predict which stars will go home with shiny gold statues. So without further delay, let’s open the (search) envelopes and see who the Oscar (may) go to this year.

Best Picture
Last year we found that for three years running, the films that won best picture had two things in common when it came to search data. First, the winning movies had all shown an upward trend in search volume for at least four consecutive weeks during the previous year. Second, within the U.S. the winning film had the highest percentage of its searches originating from the state of New York. Looking at search data for 2011, there were three films that satisfied these conditions—The King’s Speech, The Social Network and Black Swan. Our prediction was on the mark: The King’s Speech took home the Oscar in 2011.

This year, if we assume the two “winning conditions”—at least four consecutive weeks of increasing search volume plus highest regional interest from New York—will apply, then we can narrow down the nominees to a field of four: The Artist, Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close, Midnight in Paris and War Horse. But how to go from four to one?

Let’s again look back at last year’s finalists. When you compare search query volumes for The King’s Speech, The Social Network and Black Swan, the winning film, The King’s Speech, had the lowest search volume throughout the year leading up to the Oscars. It was the underdog that took home the statue.

We tried the same test on the Best Picture nominees from 2010. The nominated movies in 2010 that met the two conditions were The Hurt Locker and Inglourious Basterds. Once again, it was the the winning film, The Hurt Locker, that had lower search volume in 2009.

If the underdog trend holds this year, Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close could be our surprise winner. If we go strictly by search popularity, however, The Artist or Midnight in Paris have the best chances—among our group of four, they’re currently blowing the competition out of the water.

If we’re having a popularity contest, it’s only fair to look at all nine nominees for best picture. A 2-step comparison shows that the most popular films by search volume are The Help and Martin Scorsese's Hugo.

Best Actor
Of this year’s five nominees for Best Actor, Brad Pitt (Moneyball) is clearly the most popular—searches for Brad in the last 12 months far outpace any of the other leading men, as was the case in 2009 when he was nominated for The Curious Case of Benjamin Button. However, it could be Brad’s famous good looks that have us searching, which brings about a good point: the most searched-for nominee doesn’t guarantee a win. James Franco had the highest search volume in 2011 but Colin Firth won, and in 2010, George Clooney was the most-searched nominee but Jeff Bridges took home the Oscar.

The pattern emerging over the past few years is that the winner is generally in the middle of the pack in terms of searches and has relatively steady search volume throughout the year. First-time nominee Gary Oldman (Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy) fits that bill this year, but so does George Clooney (The Descendants). Maybe it will finally be George’s year to win Best Actor.

Best Actress
For the past three years, the eventual Best Actress winner has seen a spike of interest in the preceding December. Additionally, two of the three most recent winners have had the strongest regional interest within the U.S. from the cities of Los Angeles and New York City (2010 winner Sandra Bullock is the exception).

Among this year’s nominees, Rooney Mara is the clear breakout star, with a huge surge in search volume this past December for the young lead in The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo. However, it’s Meryl Streep who has the highest regional interest in NYC and while Rooney is popular in LA, she’s even more popular in San Francisco. So it could be her name that is announced when the envelope is opened—or not.

Of course, we don’t have a Magic 8-Ball or access to the names in those top-secret envelopes, so our predictions are just that—but it’s always enjoyable to look at how what people are interested in online plays out in the real world. As you prepare for your Oscar viewing parties this year, put a visit to Insights for Search on your checklist before the red carpet walk begins (fun fact: searches for [red carpet] peak at Oscar time every year). Between dry cleaning your tuxedo and making hors d'oeuvres, tune in to a pre-Oscar hangout on the +Good Morning America page, where the live discussion will be the fashion dos and don'ts of the big night. You can also stay up to date on all Oscar news on +Oscars, the official Google+ Page of the Academy Awards.

Posted by Rebecca Mall, Entertainment Account Executive, LA office

North Circular Racers

photo by Ben Part.

Heroes of Speed T-shirt - CaraibiRockers Clothing Co.

record-racing...get the Tee here:
http://caraibirockers.bigcartel.com/product/north-circular-heroes-of-speed

Helping you find what’s in the mind’s eye with improved related searches

Today we’re making it easier for you to hone in on that perfect image or explore your topic visually with an update to related search links. Related search links have been around for awhile—they’re the row of blue links running across the top of your image search results—but today we’re making them more visual to help you find exactly what you’re looking for or just have fun exploring.

For example, when planning a trip to Greece, I may not know what places are worth a visit, so I search for [greece] on Image Search. Now, with more visual search links, I can hover over the links on the top of the results, like [santorini greece], and see a panel pop up with images of Santorini. Without having to type more words into the search box or clicking through, I can quickly glance at the pictures of Santorini. If I decide to click through, I find new links for further refined or related searches, such as [oia santorini greece] or [santorini greece sunset]. Now I’m sold, I want to see more Santorini images.

You’ll start to see these links whenever you search for images as we roll this change out globally over the next few weeks.

Posted by Peter Linsley, Product Manager

(Cross-posted on the Inside Search blog)

PRIMAVERA CIRCUS

ph: ELLE Spain

This just made me want to drop everything + head to California asap!
I'd love to be lounging in the warm air, wearing mint + print pieces without a care in the world.

Get the look...
· Mint Drop Back Sleeveless Shirt from Topshop
· Mint Cotton Lace Blouse With Double Collar from ASOS
· Rare Blossom Floral Belted Shorts from ASOS
· Tropical Mirror Print Shorts from Topshop
· Erika Sunglasses from Ray-Ban
· Wayfarer Sunglasses from F21
· Woven cotton poncho from Haute Hippie
· Chuck Taylor All Star sneakers from Converse

Alfa Romeo

POPPY ♥

ph: Lee Oliveira | Mujer.es | Marie Claire UK | Glamour UK | Marie Claire UK |Vogue.it

Loving all of what Poppy Delevingne has been wearing lately!

Here are few key pieces to get her looks...
· Helter Skelter Sunglasses from Karen Walker
· Caballero Hand Woven Boots from ONE by Free Bird
· French Connection Maxi Skirt from ASOS
· Flock Spot Pencil Skirt from Topshop
· Fanny Lace Top from Joie
· Kookai Belted Trench Coat from ASOS
· Burgundy boots from Belle by Sigerson Morrison

Collaborate and edit anywhere with the updated Google Docs for Android

As I was sitting on the ferry commuting to Google’s Sydney office this morning, two thoughts occurred to me. First, Australia is beautiful. If you’ve never been here, you really should visit. And second, it’s amazing how productive I can be with just my Android phone and an Internet connection. I was responding to email, reading news articles and editing documents—just like I do at the office. Only the view was better!

We want to give everyone the chance to be productive no matter where they are, so today we’re releasing a new update to the Google Docs app for Android. We've brought the collaborative experience from Google Docs on the desktop to your Android device. You'll see updates in real time as others type on their computers, tablets and phones, and you can just tap the document to join in.

We also updated the interface to make it easier to work with your documents on the go. For example, you can pinch to zoom and focus on a specific paragraph or see the whole document at a glance. We also added rich text formatting so you can do things like create a quick bullet list, add color to your documents, or just bold something important. Watch the new Google Docs app in action:



If you want to hear about the latest Docs news or send us feedback on the new app, visit Google Docs on Google+.

Gotta run—I’ve got another ferry to catch!

Posted by Vadim Gerasimov, Software Engineer

Looking for the treasure...

...a tresure map, an adventure...

PRETTY HEADBANDS

ph: Mulberry Blog | Oscar de la Renta FW 2012

Pretty headbands. In the words of Liz Lemon- I want to go to there.

Get the look...
· Knotted Lace Headband from ASOS
· Crystal Treasure Headband from Her Curious Nature
· Black Woven Alice Headband from Her Curious Nature
· Deconstructed Sequin Headband from Jane Tran
· Braided Headband from Missoni
· Washed Silk Stretch Turban Headband from Jennifer Behr

NYFW: LE FASHION X KANON ORGANIC VODKA

Hope you had as much fun as I did keeping up with the Kanon Instagram Viewer over NYFW!
So many great moments to remember. Love that we can capture them like this ♥
You can now check out Kanon's favorite instagrams of the week! Which were your fav?

x

TT competitor

Norman Hanks - Tourist Trophy 1969

SILLY GOOSE

ph: Oyster

Love everything about this editorial-- I wish I could live in it! No worries other than wearing pretty things, eating junk food + hanging out on the couch, lol. Ideally I'd be lounging around in these comfy pajamas from Equipment. Just throw some great heels on + you're ready to go.

I mean really though, how great is it that pjs are cool to wear out?!

☆ TOP BLOGGER LOOKS OF THE WEEK ☆

Here's a sneak peek of my picks for the top blogger looks of the week!
To see each blogger's full look + to find out who they are... head on over to FASHION SALADE!
If you have any cool personal style blogs you'd like me to check out- let me know!

xo

Jessica

Questa settimana iniziamo con le fantastiche gambe di Jessica Alba. Buongiorno!

VALENTINO HEAVEN

ph: my own

I've died + gone to Valentino heaven ♥
Can't tell you how excited I was when I saw these available on MYTHERESA!
They've either been on pre-order for months or sold out everywhere, so I couldn't believe it.
I ended up wearing them to the Bloglovin' awards the other night with some leather skinny pants from The Row + a Clover Canyon top >> pic here. They are the comfiest heels ever!

ps- I won the Bloglovin' Tibi Inspiration award! I was in such great company, so I didn't expect to win! Thank you all so much for voting + for your support- I love you all so much!

JENNA LYONS

ph: Tommy Ton | Style.com

Hands down my favorite look from NYFW. Her colorblock Céline pants are to die for!
Love how she paired them with such simple classic pieces like the basic tee + denim jacket.

Get the look...
· Ciccio Glasses from Super Sunglasses
· Bow Detail Cape Coat from Just Female
· Brae Tee from KAIN Label
· Navajo Jean Jacket from Jet by John Eshaya
· Wide Stripe Slim Pants from Sonia By Sonia Rykiel
· Capri pants from Preen Line
· Suede Stiletto Point Court Shoe from ASOS

LUV AJ

ph: Luv AJ | Fashion Gone Rogue

So excited to finally see Claire + Amanda's editorial featuring LUV AJ jewelry!
It's making me miss California so much! You can check the rest of the photos here.
Scoop up some of my favorite pieces from the collection...
★ Luv AJ Crystal Cross Choker
★ Luv AJ Black Crystal Cross Ring
★ Luv AJ Sheet Metal Ankle/Arm Cuff
★ Luv AJ Pyramid Stud Fringe Necklace
★ Luv AJ Crystal Cross Ear Cuff

ps- I spy STOP IT RIGHT NOW's amaze Céline-inspired skate deck! Love ya Jayne!

Vintage Style T-shirts

http://www.caraibirockers.com/ - get your tee!

Le T-shirts CaraibiRockers sono realizzate in cotone pettinato 100% (165 g/m²) – Girocollo, manica corta, doppia cucitura, spalle modellate, stampa logo sulla schiena ed interno collo.

CaraibiRockers - Rude n' Pure.

http://www.caraibirockers.com/



BLOG CRUSH!

Love, love, loving ANGELICA BLICK!
Just got lost on the blog + pretty much saved every.single.photo. to my inspiration folder.

Dirty Harry

"Come on, make my day!"

CLEAN CUFFS

I've been going crazy looking for good clean cuff jewelry.
I figured some of you may be going through the same, so hope this helps!

1. Ridged Double Cuff from ASOS
2. Polished Silver Cuff from RJ Graziano
3. Thin Smooth Silver Double Cuffs from ASOS
4. Naomi Necklace from DANNIJO
5. Studded Bangle Cuff from Gogo Phillip
6. Rose Gold-plated Knuckleduster Rings from Maison Martin Margiela
7. Thin Smooth Gold Double Cuffs from ASOS
8. Gunmetal Smooth Double Cuffs from ASOS