[Cross posted from the Official Android Blog]
Over a billion people today carry Android smartphones—devices that are more powerful than the computers we used just a few years ago.
For many, these phones have become essential tools to help us complete important work tasks like checking email, editing documents, reviewing sales pipelines and approving deals. But for the majority of workers, smartphones and tablets are underutilized in the workplace. Their business and innovation potential remain largely untapped.
Today we're announcing the Android for Work program to tap into that potential. With a group of partners, we're helping businesses bring more devices to work by securing, managing and innovating on the Android platform.
Android for Work features four key technology components:
  • Work profiles – We’ve built on the default encryption, enhanced SELinux security enforcement and multi-user support in Android 5.0, Lollipop to create a dedicated work profile that isolates and protects work data. IT can deploy approved work apps right alongside their users' personal apps knowing their sensitive data remains secured. People can use their personal apps knowing their employer only manages work data and won’t erase or view their personal content.
  • Android for Work app – For devices running Ice Cream Sandwich through Kitkat, or that don’t run work profiles natively, we’ve created the Android for Work app. The app, which delivers secure mail, calendar, contacts, documents, browsing and access to approved work apps, can be completely managed by IT.
  • Google Play for Work – Google Play for Work allows businesses to securely deploy and manage apps across all users running Android for Work, simplifying the process of distributing apps to employees and ensuring that IT approves every deployed app.
  • Built-in productivity tools – For everyday business tasks, we’ve created a suite of business apps for email, contacts and calendar, which supports both Exchange and Notes and provides document editing capabilities for documents, spreadsheets and presentations.

We’re joined by a number of partners as part of the Android for Work program, including many familiar names within the Android ecosystem:

Our partners bring IT:
  • Consistent management – Enterprise mobility management (EMM) providers integrate with standardized management APIs to create a simple way to manage all Android devices, new and old, from one dashboard. All Android for Work capabilities are delivered through EMM partners, with more providers available soon.
  • Secure business apps – Software vendors and developers can create a single version of any Google Play app that can be securely deployed to any Android device without alterations or wrapping. And they can create standard management configurations that allow IT to apply policies per app.
  • Innovative devices – Android smartphone and tablet makers are a key part of the Android for Work program, as they create devices and experiences that add additional value for customers.
Together with a wide range of management, application and device makers, we believe the Android for Work program provides businesses and workers with the choice and flexibility they need to get things done at work.
Learn more by visiting google.com/work/android.

Posted by Rajen Sheth, Director of Product Management, Android and Chrome for Work
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Science is about observing and experimenting. It’s about exploring unanswered questions, solving problems through curiosity, learning as you go and always trying again.

That’s the spirit behind the fifth annual Google Science Fair, kicking off today. Together with LEGO Education, National Geographic, Scientific American and Virgin Galactic, we’re calling on all young researchers, explorers, builders, technologists and inventors to try something ambitious. Something imaginative, or maybe even unimaginable. Something that might just change the world around us.



From now through May 18, students around the world ages 13-18 can submit projects online across all scientific fields, from biology to computer science to anthropology and everything in between. Prizes include  $100,000 in scholarships and classroom grants from Scientific American and Google, a National Geographic Expedition to the Galapagos, an opportunity to visit LEGO designers at their Denmark headquarters, and the chance to tour Virgin Galactic’s new spaceship at their Mojave Air and Spaceport. This year we’re also introducing an award to recognize an Inspiring Educator, as well as a Community Impact Award honoring a project that addresses an environmental or health challenge.


It’s only through trying something that we can get somewhere. Flashlights required batteries, then Ann Makosinski tried the heat of her hand. His grandfather would wander out of bed at night, until Kenneth Shinozuka tried a wearable sensor. The power supply was constantly unstable in her Indian village, so Harine Ravichandran tried to build a different kind of regulator. Previous Science Fair winners have blown us away with their ideas. Now it’s your turn.
Big ideas that have the potential to make a big impact often start from something small. Something that makes you curious. Something you love, you’re good at, and want to try.

So...what will you try?

Posted by Miriam Schneider, Google for Education Team
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We know how exciting the next few weeks are for you, and we have a bunch of fun experiences lined up. To stay updated, join the party with the largest community of cricket fans from around the world, by following Google India on Google+ and Twitter.

Scores faster than Lee or Akhtar
Over the next two months and 49 matches, a simple Google search for [cricket] will be your quickest source for the latest scores and team schedules. We have partnered with Star Sports, and fans in India will be able to see pre-game videos, in-game highlights, and post-match recaps for the match’s most exciting moments, right from within the search results. These features will also trigger in Hindi if you search for [क्रिकेट]. Rest assured that you’ll stay tuned to the action anytime, anywhere.  


You can also stay updated on your favourite teams in the Google App with Now cards — you don’t even have to search. Download the ESPN Cricinfo app onto your phone, and you’ll start seeing Cricinfo’s Now cards pop up in the Google app.


Take the tournament’s pulse with Google Trends
Millions of fans will be searching on Google for noteworthy moments of the tournament, from the Duckworth-Lewis method to Virat Kohli’s hairstyle. Get into the conversation about what other cricket fans are buzzing about with Google Trends on +Google India throughout the tournament.


Real fans paint their face
Even if you can’t watch the games live, you can still show your support by painting your face like a true cricket fan— without ever getting your hands dirty. Take a photo of yourself and of up to four friends who’d like their faces painted and upload it to Google+ with hashtag #PaintIndia (see details at g.co/CricketFacePaint). Refresh the page to see the effect!

You can add the hashtag #CWC15Fans and publicly share your photo on Google+ for a chance to be shown on ICC’s official website. If you also add the hashtag #CastrolCheerForTheCup to a publicly shared photo on Google+, it might land on the big screen during the actual games.

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And last but not the least, keep an eye out for special Doodles during the tournament on the Google India homepage, as well as Hangouts on Air with cricketers and commentators. We will post about these Hangouts on  +Google India over the coming weeks, and many of them will also be simulcasted on 94.3 Radio One.

Have a blast following great cricket, and may the best team win!

Posted by Varun Sud, Product Marketing Manager, Google India

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When you last logged into your email, banking or social networking site, how did you know it was the real deal and not a fake site set up to steal your password?

Is this site real of fake? Can you spot the tell-tale signs of a “phishing” attempt?

 Many of us know friends and family who have had their online accounts hijacked. But what many people don’t know is how it happens and what you can do to stop criminals in their tracks.  

 Most hijackers get into accounts through “phishing” - sending emails or text messages which appear to come from a genuine source such as your bank, but are really created to steal your usernames, passwords or credit card details.

 Don’t think you would so easily take the bait? Phishing is actually more effective than you might think.  According to research from our security engineers, some targeted phishing scams fool up to 45% of their victims, and once hijackers have your information, they can break into your account in as little as 30 minutes.  

 So, to mark Safer Internet Day today here in India, we’ve put together this Phishing challenge!  

Can you spot the tell-tale signs of a phishing scam? Grab your kids or a friend and take a minute to scroll through the images of common online situations below. Make a note of what looks fishy and when you’re done, head on over to this gallery for the answers.





 If you’re stuck, here are some quick tips (no cheating now, only read once you’ve completed the challenge!) on what you should have been on the lookout for, and should keep in mind for the future:

If you’ve got a few more minutes, take your Google Account through our refreshed Security Check-Up tool - it’ll only take a minute, and could help you not become one of those friends everyone knows who’s had their account hijacked by phishing.

Posted by Taj Meadows, Policy Communications Manager, Google APAC
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For 10 years Google Maps has made it easier to navigate and explore your world. If you hopped in your DeLorean for a trip back to before 2005, you’d remember the days when we were all dependent on paper maps, print-outs, post-its and sometimes even a compass for directions! Getting from point A to B is something we do all day, every day—from finding the fastest way to get to work, to dropping the kids off on a carpool route, to meeting friends for drinks at a new spot—so it should be as easy as possible. That’s why we created Google Maps and why we’ve spent the last 10 years figuring out better ways for you to get around.   


Through projects like Ground Truth and passionate communities like Map Maker, we strive to provide you with the most comprehensive, accurate and useful maps. And with Google Maps for mobile, you no longer have to worry about getting lost or deciding where to go next when you’re on the move.




As we look ahead to the next 10 years, we hope you're as excited as we are to navigate uncharted territory in pursuit of the perfect map—together. A planet-size thank you to everyone who has navigated, explored and contributed to the map with us over the past decade. 

 Time for cake!

Posted by the Google Maps Team
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Online advertising helps fund content and businesses on the web, from small family-owned shops to large publishers. While online advertising helps the web to work for all of us, this ecosystem can also attract bad actors that aim to misuse ads for harmful or deceptive purposes. 

 We work hard to keep our advertising ecosystem clean for users, advertisers, and publishers, and continue to invest substantial resources to stop bad advertising practices. We have a team of analysts who work around the clock to protect users, and continue to hone our detection technology to identify bad ads and stop bad actors as it’s a vital part of keeping our ads ecosystem clean. 

 As an example, last summer our analysis technology flagged a set of accounts as suspicious. To the human eye, the ads looked like ordinary rental property ads that met our policies. After we dug in deeper, we discovered that the system was right to be suspicious - the vacation rentals turned out to be a scam and the rental properties didn't exist. Our systems learn from incidents like these, helping us more effectively catch and remove bad ads and advertisers.

 For the past several years, we’ve shared insight into our efforts to fight bad actors on the web. Today, we’re sharing new data on how we fought bad advertising practices over the past year. Overall, we disabled more than 524 million bad ads and banned more than 214,000 advertisers in 2014. While this represents a tiny fraction of the total ads on our platform - the vast majority of advertisers follow our policies and act responsibly - we continue to remain vigilant to protect users against bad advertising practices.

 Here’s a look into some of the trends we fought against last year:

 Here’s a look at our work to get rid of bad advertising practices in 2014:

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 This is a constantly evolving fight. Bad actors continually create more sophisticated systems and scams, so we too are continually evolving our practices, technology, and methodology in fighting these bad ads. The security of our users is the foundation of our ecosystem, and we’ll continue to work tirelessly to keep people safe online. If you’d like to provide feedback on specific ads or our policies, check out our online form.

Posted by Vikaram Gupta, Director, Ads Engineering
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We’ve teamed up with seven developers in India (30+ in total worldwide) to bring you these new cards and more, which are rolling out over the next few weeks. Check out some examples on our site — we plan to add more cards and expand this feature over time. Until then, make sure to update to the latest version of the Google app and of your favorite app, and be on the lookout for handy new Now cards to help you with tasks big and small.

Posted by Aparna Chennapragada, Director of Product Management
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