Author Archives: Johnny Luu

Introducing Australia’s Regional Online Heroes

From a regional business selling frozen rose petals, to an online personal-training business using farm equipment, to an innovative agricultural software company…. this year’s Regional Online Heroes finalists are leading the way in entrepreneurship and innovation.

Last month we announced ten outstanding finalists who are using the internet to innovate and grow their business in regional Australia: Blackbooks Tea, Local Farm Produce, Off The Track Training and AgData from Queensland; Corporeal Health from WA; George The Farmer from SA; Crowd Carnivore, Penny Evans Art and Rabbit Hop Films from NSW; and Simply Rose Petals from Victoria.

Yesterday, these Regional Online Heroes travelled to Sydney for an exclusive masterclass at the Google office, where they had the chance to share their stories and develop new skills.

We were joined our esteemed competition judges, including: The Hon Michael McCormack MP, Minister for Small Business; Jack Archer, CEO of the Regional Australia Institute; and small business leaders Jane Cay, Founder of Birdsnest, and Robert Ravens, Managing Director of Bridestowe Lavender Estate. These business leaders shared their experiences and joined our regional heroes for a celebratory dinner.


Minister for Small Business, the Hon Michael McCormack MP was delighted to announce the winning Regional Online Hero - AGDATA Australia, a leading AgTech company based in Toowoomba, Queensland. AGDATA has grown from a small family startup to a valuable national business providing a digital platform to boost agricultural production.


With 20 employees and more than 22,000 customers, Minister McCormack said AGDATA is a great example of how businesses can succeed in regional Australia.



We know that digitally engaged small businesses are more likely to be growing (Deloitte research), which is why these Regional Online Heroes are so important for jobs and local communities.

More than 150 businesses from across Australia applied, with fantastic examples of how the internet is helping their business grow and prosper. For more information about this year’s Regional Online Heroes check out the website.

Congratulations again to our amazing finalists and winner - we look forward to seeing what they do next!

Posted by John Ball, Head of Google Marketing Solutions, Google Australia

Announcing Google Play’s “Best of 2016”

A Big Year for Dance Music in Australia




As the year draws to close and summer is officially here, we’re thrilled to announce Google Play’s most popular apps, games and music in 2016.

In Australia, Meghan Trainor’s “Mee Too”, followed by Sia’s “Cheap Thrills” were the most streamed songs of the year. All in all, 2016 was a big year for dance and electronic music in Australia, with a third of the top 100 most streamed songs falling under the genre, on par with Pop for the first time.


Top 10 Streamed Songs of 2016 in Australia 



Globally, Twenty One Pilots have no need to feel “Stressed Out” with their single coming in as the number one most streamed song of the year.  In case you missed any of 2016’s biggest hits, we’ve our top five global lists for each category to help you sort through the most popular content of the year. For complete local lists, visit Google Play.

Google Play's Global Best of 2016 Lists

TOP TRENDING APPS of 2016

TOP TRENDING GAMES of 2016

TOP 5 STREAMED SONGS of 2016
  1. Stressed Out, Twenty One Pilots
  2. Sorry, Justin Bieber

Posted by Kara Bailey, Director of Merchandising, Google Play  

Android Pay says Kia ora


Whether you’re shopping for new summer threads or brunching at your local favourite, your Android phone will be all you need as you walk out the door. Starting today, Android Pay is available in New Zealand, helping you pay for things simply and securely with your Android smartphone.


You will be able to use Android Pay everywhere contactless payments are accepted, including your favourite shops like The Warehouse, Domino’s, BP, BurgerFuel, McDonalds and more. Just wake your phone and tap as you would with your card. It’s that simple. And businesses across the country with contactless terminals don't need to do anything else to be able to accept Android Pay in store.


To start using Android Pay you’ll need to download the Android Pay app on Google Play and have a BNZ Flexi Debit Visa card.


Android Pay keeps your card information secure by not sharing your actual card number with stores when you pay - while allowing you to continue enjoying all the rewards and benefits of your cards.

Get started with Android Pay in New Zealand today: download the app on Google Play, add your card and start shopping. It’s as easy as Tap. Pay. Done.

Posted by Pali Bhat, Global Head of Payments Products

Opening the doors to The Digital Garage in Western Sydney

It may not look like your ordinary garage but it’s a place to learn, build and explore… Google and the NSW Business Chamber teamed up to take The Digital Garage on the road to Western Sydney last week. The Digital Garage is an online training platform for small business to learn the digital skills they need to make the most of the web.

The Digital Garage workshop in Pemulwuy on Friday 25 November gave more than 50 local small business owners the chance to learn how they can use online tools to help grow their business.



We know businesses thrive when they embrace technology. Deloitte research found small businesses that make the most of the web are 1.5 times more likely to be growing revenue and 8 times more likely to be creating jobs. That’s good news for everyone!

Participants had the chance to hear from digital experts and ask questions about digital engagement. Local business owner, Tony Rahme, owner of Greenery Imports spoke about how he used online advertising to become one of the largest sellers of artificial plants across Australia and Raymen Sri from local Google Partner agency Clixpert shared how professional web agencies can help time poor business owners make the most of the web.


We were joined by the local Member for McMahon, Chris Bowen MP, who spoke about the importance of small businesses in his electorate and the opportunities presented by digital technology, along with David Borger, Western Sydney Director of the Sydney Business Chamber.



The Digital Garage will be visiting more locations around Australia in 2017, so stay tuned for events near you! In the meantime you can check out the online training, anywhere and anytime.

Posted by John Ball, Head of Google Marketing Solutions Australia

Introducing Chromecast Ultra: The Fastest Chromecast Yet

Chromecast Ultra is available in Australia starting today. Get ready to have stunning content served right to your living room. All that’s needed is one small addition to your current system: Chromecast Ultra. Stream content right from your phone, tablet or computer and enjoy videos and more on your big screen.

Chromecast Ultra has everything you love about Chromecast. Plus, it comes with advanced features like 4K and High Dynamic Range (HDR) support for a fuller, crisper picture as well as faster speed and Wi-Fi improvements. At first, you’ll be able to stream 4K content from Netflix and YouTube, and we’re working to make more 4K and HDR content available.

Chromecast Ultra loads videos 1.8 times faster than other Chromecast devices and includes major Wi-Fi improvements to support streams from full HD to Ultra HD without a hitch. For those tricky Wi-Fi environments, we’re also adding Ethernet support for a wired connection.

Just like the original Chromecast, you can cast all of your favorite content from thousands of apps using your phone, tablet or laptop. Mirror any content from your Android device or from a browser tab on your laptop (using Chrome) to the TV. And it comes in a small size that hides nicely behind your TV, without adding clutter to your living room.

Chromecast Ultra is available starting today for $99 from JB HiFi, Harvey Norman, Officeworks and the Google Store.

Posted by Mickey Kim, Director of Product Planning and Partnerships, APAC

Introducing Chromecast Ultra: The Fastest Chromecast Yet

Chromecast Ultra is available in New Zealand starting today. Get ready to have stunning content served right to your living room. All that’s needed is one small addition to your current system: Chromecast Ultra. Stream content right from your phone, tablet or computer and enjoy videos and more on your big screen.

Chromecast Ultra has everything you love about Chromecast. Plus, it comes with advanced features like 4K and High Dynamic Range (HDR) support for a fuller, crisper picture as well as faster speed and Wi-Fi improvements. At first, you’ll be able to stream 4K content from Netflix and YouTube, and we’re working to make more 4K and HDR content available.

Chromecast Ultra loads videos 1.8 times faster than other Chromecast devices and includes major Wi-Fi improvements to support streams from full HD to Ultra HD without a hitch. For those tricky Wi-Fi environments, we’re also adding Ethernet support for a wired connection.

Just like the original Chromecast, you can cast all of your favorite content from thousands of apps using your phone, tablet or laptop. Mirror any content from your Android device or from a browser tab on your laptop (using Chrome) to the TV. And it comes in a small size that hides nicely behind your TV, without adding clutter to your living room.

Chromecast Ultra is available starting today for $109 from the JB HiFi, Noel Leeming and the Google Store.

Posted by Mickey Kim, Director of Product Planning and Partnerships, APAC

Now your photos look better than ever, even those dusty old prints

Photos from the past, meet scanner from the future

Google Photos is a home for all your photos and videos, but what about those old prints that are some of your most treasured memories? Such as photos of grandma when she was young, your childhood pet, and that hairstyle you wish you could forget.

We all have those old albums and boxes of photos, but we don’t take the time to digitize them because it’s just too hard to get it right. We don’t want to mail away our original copy, buying a scanner is costly and time consuming, and if you try to take a photo of a photo, you end up with crooked edges and glare.

We knew there had to be a better way, so we’re introducing PhotoScan, a brand new, standalone app from Google Photos that easily scans just about any photo, free, from anywhere. Get it today for Android and iOS.


PhotoScan gets you great looking digital copies in seconds - it detects edges, straightens the image, rotates it to the correct orientation, and removes glare. Scanned photos can be saved in one tap to Google Photos to be organized, searchable, shared, and safely backed up at high quality -- for free.  

See how the PhotoScan technology works behind the scenes by watching this video from our friends Nat & Lo.

Pro edits, no pro needed

After all that time in the attic, your photos might need a few polishes. Or you might even want to edit that selfie from this morning. Getting the right look can take a lot of time and with so many editing tools it’s tough to know where to begin.

Today we’re rolling out three easy ways to get great looking photos in Google Photos: a new and improved auto enhance, unique new looks, and advanced editing tools. Open a photo and then tap the pencil icon to start editing. First, for auto enhance, just select Auto, and see instant enhancements a pro editor might make - like balancing exposure and saturation to bring out the details.

Second, our 12 new looks take style to the next level. These unique looks make edits based on the individual photo and its brightness, darkness, warmth, or saturation, before applying the style. All looks use machine intelligence to complement the content of your photo, and choosing one is just a matter of taste.



Third, our advanced editing controls for Light and Color allow you to fine tune your photos, including highlights, shadows, and warmth. Deep Blue is particularly good for images of sea and sky where the color blue is the focal point.



The Google Photos app with the new photo editor will begin rolling out today across Android, iOS and the web. Just in time for your next set of holiday memories.

Posted by Jingyu Cui, Software Engineer, Google Photos Team

Introducing the new Google Play Music

Whether reminding you to leave to catch your flight, helping you find pictures of your daughter’s recital, or suggesting the right Smart Reply, Google builds tools that help you make the world of information more accessible and useful. And at Google Play Music, we strive for the same.

Building on our commitment to help you find the right music for any moment, today we’re introducing the new Google Play Music — a fresh take on our music streaming service that is smarter, easier to use, and much more assistive.

To deliver that, Google Play Music uses machine learning to figure out what music you like and then mixes in signals like location, activity, and the weather along with hand-picked playlists to personalize music for wherever you are and whenever you want tunes. Starting this week on Android, iOS and the web, the new experience will roll out globally (62 countries, to be precise).

DON’T THINK TWICE, IT’S ALL RIGHT

To provide even richer music recommendations based on Google’s understanding of your world, we’ve plugged into the contextual tools that power Google products. When you opt in, we’ll deliver personalized music based on where you are and why you are listening — relaxing at home, powering through at work, commuting, flying, exploring new cities, heading out on the town, and everything in between. Your workout music is front and center as you walk into the gym, a sunset soundtrack appears just as the sky goes pink, and tunes for focusing turn up at the library.


WHAT YOU WANT? BABY I GOT IT

The new Google Play Music has a brand new home screen built just for you. Think of it as the ultimate personal DJ—one who listens not only to what you like, but also when you like it, so the music that you care about now is always at the top of your screen. Maybe that's your favorite new release on Friday, the dance party playlist you listen to after work, or more music from a new artist you've just fallen in love with. Regardless, it will be there waiting for you to press play. Powered by Google's machine learning systems and honed by our team of expert music curators, your experience will keep evolving (and improving) as we get to know you better.

PLEASE DON’T STOP THE MUSIC

No connection? Lost in the desert? No problem. Well...except for the lost part (try Google Maps for that). When you subscribe, you’ll always be prepped with an offline playlist based on what you’ve listened to recently. As long as you remember to charge your phone, you’ll have your favorite tunes, even if you forgot to download them ahead of time.


From parks to airports to bars, whether you're walking, biking, or driving, the right music makes any moment better. With the new Google Play Music, we’re here to help with the perfect soundtrack for the things you do every day. After all, the only thing better than finding the perfect music is the perfect music finding you.

Posted by Elias Roman, Lead Product Manager, Google Play Music 

Four Aussie YouTube Creators Skip Ahead

A singing and dancing musical inspired by traffic jams. A zombie-fied version of Neighbours. Traveling through the Australian outback with borrowed cars. What do all these videos have in common? They were all made possible by Screen Australia and YouTube’s Skip Ahead program, which supports the next generation of Australian online storytellers.

For the third year, YouTube has teamed up with Screen Australia to give emerging Australian YouTube creators the opportunity to make more ambitious, longer form content and develop their skills. After receiving dozens of applications for the program, we’re pleased to announce the recipients of this year’s Skip Ahead funding (drum roll please):
  • Brothers Theo and Nathan Saidden, AKA Superwog with their dysfunctional-family comedy;
  • Kitchen wizards Charli and Ashlee Kelly, who present one of YouTube’s most popular kids-only baking shows, Charli’s Crafty Kitchen; 
  • Adelaide brothers Danny and Michael Philippou who are behind the live action videos on Racka Racka; 
  • Science educator and communicator, Vanessa Hill who explores the human brain on BrainCraft.



The four recipients will share $725,000 between them to realise their projects. Thanks to this funding, YouTube creators will be able to make longer narrative-driven films of at least 30 minutes in length, which can either be one-off films, a series of episode installments, or a pilot for a future idea. Previous Skip Ahead winners such as the Mighty Car Mods, How to Cook That, and Aunty Donna have gone on to reach bigger audiences and global recognition.

Congratulations to this year’s Skip Ahead creators — we look forward to seeing what they’ll come up with next. Watch this space!

Posted by Kristen Bowen, Head of Top Creators, YouTube Asia Pacific, recently watched Are You a Chronic Procrastinator?

Experience Daydream today

From seeing a dinosaur come back to life, to traveling to the farthest reaches of Pluto, to saving a runaway goat from dangerous traps, Daydream brings you immersive virtual reality adventures powered by a smartphone. And now you can experience it all with Daydream View, a VR headset and controller made by Google, for $119 (AUD) – available now on Google Store, at JB Hi-Fi, as well as Telstra from November 22nd.

Fresh featured content front and center

The Daydream app, available on any Daydream-ready phone starting with Pixel and Pixel XL, lets you launch your favorite VR experiences and browse from an ever-growing collection of apps, games and videos. Plus, the app brings new featured content front and center so there’s always something fresh when you put on your headset.


Enjoy the best of Google in VR

With Daydream, you can experience some of the most popular Google apps like Google Photos and Google Play Movies in virtual reality. Visit 150 of the world’s most amazing places like the Pyramids and the Taj Mahal with Google Street View.





Youtube VR App

With YouTube VR, you can watch the entire library of YouTube videos on a virtual big screen and experience hundreds of thousands of immersive videos from top creators. The new standalone app was built from the ground up and optimized for VR. You just need a Daydream-ready phone like Pixel and the new Daydream View headset and controller to get started. Every single video on the platform becomes an immersive VR experience, from 360-degree videos that let you step inside the content you watch to standard videos shown on a virtual movie screen in the new theater mode.


Google Arts & Culture

And we’re also bringing Google Arts & Culture to Daydream. Step inside a virtual gallery and view masterpieces from over 50 world-renowned museums. Whether it’s Vincent van Gogh’s landscapes from the Metropolitan Museum of Art, a collection of the Most Beautiful Cats from RMN-Grand Palais, or one of the first oil paintings of Sydney, you can zoom in to see brushstroke-level details. The app is launching today as a Preview Edition with more enhancements to come in future updates.


Explore, watch and play

In addition to Google apps, there are



Our goal with Daydream is to bring high quality, mobile VR to everyone. And this is just the beginning. There will be even more games coming to Daydream in the next few weeks and even more Daydream-ready phones available over the next few months.

Posted by By Andrey Doronichev, Group Product Manager, VR