Google released its Q3 earnings report today. The company reported $9.72 billion for the quarter, a 33% year-over-year increase. More on the financials here
CEO Larry Page said in the report, “Google+ is now open to everyone and we just passed the 40 million user mark. People are flocking into Google+ at an incredible rate and we are just getting started!”
Shortly after the release came out, Page spoke briefly on the earnings call, where Google+ was the main focus.
“We’re excited about progress on product side,” he said, reminding us that Google launched 100 features for Google+ in 90 days, including hangouts on the phone, on air hangouts, circle sharing, search, games, and open signups, which he referred to as the “most exciting”.
He also said that 3.4 billion photos have already been uploaded in Google+.
He said the “ultimate ambition” is to transform the overall Google experience. He even used the word “automagical.”
“Last quarter we shipped the plus and now we’re going to ship the Google part,” Page said. He said it will contribute to more relevant search results and ads.
He closed, saying that w’re still in the “very early stages of what technology can deliver,” and that “these tools that we use online will look very different in 5 years.”
“We’re building these tools now as Google+,” he said.
I wonder what the Googler that called Google+ a “pathetic afterthought” thinks about that.
During the call, Page also sprinkled in a few stats: 200 million users for Chrome, 190 million Android devices activated, and Google Maps in 130 countries. He mentioned Android Ice Cream Sandwich only to basically say he’s excited about it.
In the report, Google revealed that it had 31,353 full-time employees as of September 30, up from 28,768 June 30.
“Our goal is to hire the best people at every level and keep them at Google,” Page said on the call.