Google's home page: a benchmark for simplicity in web design. Like clockwork, you can expect a text box, a pair of buttons, a logo (usually stylized these days), and not much else -- and if there's one thing you
definitely won't see, it's an ad. So wait, what's this? Google is breaking from its time-honored tradition in a very big way today to pimp the launch of Motorola's
DROID with an ad right below the search box, just like it did for the
G1 last year. Not surprisingly, we've checked with our non-US editors and it seems that only Yanks are seeing this. We're conflicted about the whole thing -- we can understand that Google's stoked about Android 2.0 and the best Android-powered device to date, but this isn't really isn't as big of a deal as the first Android launch, so isn't it just a bit blasphemous? And even if it isn't, shouldn't everyone at least get on the same page about the capitalization of "DROID?"
Read 
Tags: ad, android, android 2.0, Android2.0, droid, google, motorola, verizon, verizon wireless, VerizonWireless, vzw
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
APK @ Nov 6th 2009 4:14PM
It wasn't a "paid" ad.
Alex @ Nov 6th 2009 4:21PM
Why does Droid need to be all-caps?
Carlos Fernandez @ Nov 8th 2009 12:49PM
The reason is because there are real ways of spelling a word correctly, esp. when it comes to software/technology.
For example. It's not "iphone". It's "iPhone". Even if it's the first word in a sentence. Just like it's not Mcdonalds. It's McDonald's.
DROID is like how ps3 used to be. The official spelling was PLAYSTATION 3. Now I think it's just PlayStation 3.
Carlos @ Nov 6th 2009 4:25PM
The ad doesn't show up on the default Mozilla home page; then again neither does the "normal" Google logo that always changes...
superfresh @ Nov 6th 2009 5:01PM
Not seeing this. But I will say I love how Google's home page now shows nothing but the logo and bar unless you mouse over it. Awesome.
Dan @ Nov 6th 2009 5:02PM
Not sure how anyone can feel betrayed by a company breaking their own tradition to launch a product. Afterall, they ARE running a business... to make $. No news here. Focus on the technology, not the trivia.
Eric @ Nov 6th 2009 5:08PM
The droid is not wothy of capitalization.
Demo @ Nov 6th 2009 5:11PM
I really don't understand what there is to be conflicted about.
kamakaze @ Nov 6th 2009 5:17PM
are you telling me that apple.com shouldn't be allowed to advertise the iphone?
Kickstar13 @ Nov 6th 2009 6:35PM
Actually Google posted that the G1 was available on www.google.com when the G1 launched.
Jon @ Nov 6th 2009 9:31PM
How is this really different than them a Gmail link at the top of their page? Get over it iphone lovers
gg555 @ Nov 6th 2009 10:08PM
It's a little hard to believe that Engadget is this naive about Google being a business that makes most of it's revenue from advertising. Does Engagdet really think Google is some sort of democratic institution that belongs to us all and should never be besmirched with something as base as commerce? And Android is their own product, for Pete's sake. What do you expect?
The sooner people stop believing in the goodness of Google the better. We're all selling ourselves (via our privacy) down the river, to a huge advertising company, and then complaining when what was right in front of our faces (in this case literally) turns out to be the truth.
trmacdonal @ Nov 6th 2009 10:12PM
I am pretty sure they have put things advertising their own products in that spot before. I know they had a similar link for gmail a year or two ago. Can you guys look into this? Maybe some research would help this non story.
ips0fakto @ Nov 7th 2009 12:04AM
well gee i wonder why?
mantrik @ Nov 7th 2009 1:24AM
Not such a big break from tradition.
We have seen it in the past for the Google tool bar and the Chrome browser.
This obsession with anything Google does is disturbing... Give yourself (engadhet) a break!
Ethan @ Nov 7th 2009 7:17AM
It's unobtrusive, which is my main problem with ads. I think it might be best to mention it's a phone though.
Vitalka @ Nov 7th 2009 8:16AM
Probably they have did that because Android 2.0 is onboard... So, from Google view - it's absolutely normal thing to show AD with the first device of extra-class with their own OS installed.
Yes, it's little bit unusual - but very effective as strategic step.
Your Mom @ Nov 7th 2009 8:58AM
I Just Like Bert And Ernie ...... This Is A Non- Issue Move Along People Nothing To See Here......
los @ Nov 7th 2009 3:57PM
doesn't anyone proof read these things? good lord
ds r4 @ Nov 9th 2009 12:16AM
I love how Google's home page now shows nothing but the logo and bar unless you mouse over it. Awesome.
ds r4