Google's 25th Birthday: How it all began and 10 fascinating facts you need to know

Google Doodle commemorates its 25th birthday today with a special Doodle. Google is perpetually focused on the future, but birthdays provide an opportunity for reflection.

Origin of Google 25 years ago

In the late 1990s, two doctoral students, Sergey Brin and Larry Page, crossed paths while pursuing their computer science degrees at Stanford University. Little did they know that this chance encounter would lead to one of the most transformative inventions of the digital age. Brin and Page shared a vision – to enhance the accessibility of the World Wide Web. From the confines of their dorm rooms, they embarked on an extraordinary journey.

Their collaboration resulted in the creation of a groundbreaking prototype for a search engine that would revolutionize the way we interact with the internet. As progress on their ambitious project grew, they decided to take it to the next level. Their operation shifted to Google's first official workspace, which happened to be a humble rented garage. It was here that Google Inc. was born, officially founded on September 27, 1998.

Google's Ever-Evolving Logo

Since that fateful day in 1998, Google has come a long way. One of the most noticeable transformations has been its logo, as demonstrated by today's Doodle. However, amidst the changes in aesthetics, Google's mission has remained unwavering – to organize the world's information and ensure its universal accessibility and utility.

The Global Impact of Google

Today, Google is an integral part of billions of lives across the globe. From helping us search for information to connecting with others, working, playing, and more, Google has become an indispensable tool for many. This special birthday Doodle serves as a global celebration of this profound impact. It should be noted that this Doodle will be visible worldwide, with a few exceptions, including regions in Russia.

Celebrating Todd Matshikiza

In the previous Doodle released on September 25, Google paid tribute to South African jazz pianist, composer, and journalist Todd Matshikiza. This Doodle was illustrated by South Africa-based guest artist Keith Vlahakis. It commemorated Matshikiza's commissioned cantata "Uxolo" (peace), which was performed by the orchestra at the 70th Johannesburg Festival on September 25, 1956.

Matshikiza's contributions to music and culture are noteworthy. His song "Quickly in Love" gained recognition when it was featured in the 2013 film "Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom." Additionally, he composed the score for two influential theatrical productions, "King Kong" and "Mkhumbane." "King Kong," an all-Black jazz musical that premiered in 1958, became a sensation, even making its way to London. "Mkhumbane" (1960), featuring compositions by Matshikiza and Alan Paton, was equally famous.

10 Fascinating Facts about Google

Googol Inspiration: The name "Google" is a play on the mathematical term "googol," which represents the number 1 followed by 100 zeros.

First Office: Garage Days: Google's first official office was a rented garage in Menlo Park, California, where it all began.

I'm Feeling Lucky: The "I'm Feeling Lucky" button on Google's homepage is nearly obsolete but was once a popular feature that took users directly to the first search result.

Doodle Traditions: Google Doodles, like the one celebrating its 25th birthday, started in 1998 when Brin and Page added a stick figure to the logo to indicate they were out of the office.

Gmail's April Fools' Day Launch: Gmail was launched on April 1, 2004, leading some to believe it was an April Fools' Day prank due to its generous storage offering.

Google Maps' Evolution: Google Maps began as a small-scale project, but it quickly grew into one of the most widely used navigation tools in the world.

Acquisition Spree: Google has acquired numerous companies, including YouTube, Android, and Waze, expanding its services far beyond search.

Googleplex Perks: Google's headquarters, known as the Googleplex, offers employees a plethora of perks, including free food, fitness centers, and even a slide.

Google Translates Multilingual Feat: Google Translate can translate text and speech into hundreds of languages, making global communication more accessible.

Alphabet Inc.: In 2015, Google underwent a corporate restructuring and became a subsidiary of Alphabet Inc., allowing for more focused business operations.

Conclusion

Google's journey from a dorm room project to a global tech giant is a testament to innovation and perseverance. As it celebrates its 25th birthday, it continues to shape the digital landscape and make the world's information accessible to all.

FAQs

1. When was Google founded?

Google was officially founded on September 27, 1998.

2. What is the origin of the name "Google"?

The name "Google" is a play on the mathematical term "googol," which represents the number 1 followed by 100 zeros.

3. Who are the founders of Google?

Google was founded by Sergey Brin and Larry Page, who were doctoral students at Stanford University.

4. What was the first Google Doodle?

The first Google Doodle was added in 1998 and featured a stick figure to indicate that the founders were out of the office.

5. How has Google's mission evolved over the years?

Google's mission has remained consistent – to organize the world's information and ensure its universal accessibility and utility.