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Google Buys Fitbit for $2.1B

cnbc.com

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Re: Google Buys Fitbit for $2.1B

#661

Post by dimator »

paul7986 wrote: post #658
chipperyman573 wrote: post #648

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I see you replying to these threads sometimes, and you usually say "we" did thing. Are these decisions actually being made by a team and you the (possibly self selected) community lead? Or are you just saying "we" as in "I, someone whose actions represent the desires of the mod team, did thing"? Just curious, I've never had a problem with your changes.

I know I was told I can no longer talk negatively about Google on Hacker News nor point to a popular HN thread that puts Google in a bad light. I told my story for awhile on HN and lo and behold after doing so another student/inventor told a similar story with evidence of Google getting caught doing X. I do wonder who is making up these rules and why do they care what I say about Google? If I talk frequently about th…

It's hard to believe that. The large majority of commentary here is negative towards Google, and in fact most of the big guys. Are you saying you got a private message about this?

Re: Google Buys Fitbit for $2.1B

#662

Post by gnicholas »

torgian wrote: post #247
gnicholas wrote: post #230

Earlier quoted context omitted.

It’s not just biometrics — now they’ll now where you are. Lots of people who don’t already have android phones will buy these (or carry them when not carrying their androids). So google will know what stores you’re near, what people you’re near, and for how long.

Google knew where you were long before fitbit. It's called Directions API.

I use Apple maps, and I only use navigation when traveling long distances.

Re: Google Buys Fitbit for $2.1B

#663

Post by RealStickman »

behnamoh wrote: post #591
gandutraveler wrote: post #527

Expect the Google fit app to have these branding changes over the coming years : Fit - > Fitbit -> Google Fitbit -> Android Fit -> Finally back to Google Fit in 2023

Is this really the main takeaway from such a huge event? How about the fact that millions of users' data is just acquired by the company that already knows literally more about users than themselves?

That's obvious and way less interesting than googlified app names

Re: Google Buys Fitbit for $2.1B

#664

Post by paul7986 »

chipperyman573 wrote: post #660
paul7986 wrote: post #658

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I know I was told I can no longer talk negatively about Google on Hacker News nor point to a popular HN thread that puts Google in a bad light. I told my story for awhile on HN and lo and behold after doing so another student/inventor told a similar story with evidence of Google getting caught doing X. I do wonder who is making up these rules and why do they care what I say about Google? If I talk frequently about th…

I think you may have replied to the wrong comment friend :)

Hmmm i was following your question about who makes the rules up.

I was shocked to hear and be told I can no longer talk negatively about Google on Hacker News and provide my reason why if asked.

Re: Google Buys Fitbit for $2.1B

#666

Post by paul7986 »

dimator wrote: post #661
paul7986 wrote: post #658

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I know I was told I can no longer talk negatively about Google on Hacker News nor point to a popular HN thread that puts Google in a bad light. I told my story for awhile on HN and lo and behold after doing so another student/inventor told a similar story with evidence of Google getting caught doing X. I do wonder who is making up these rules and why do they care what I say about Google? If I talk frequently about th…

It's hard to believe that. The large majority of commentary here is negative towards Google, and in fact most of the big guys. Are you saying you got a private message about this?

Yes, dang has told me I can not speak negatively about Google and point to my personal reasons why. Nor point to a popular HN thread that clearly/flat out shows Google getting caught doing a bad thing.

Re: Google Buys Fitbit for $2.1B

#667

Post by x220 »

dcgudeman wrote: post #639
kops wrote: post #628

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Should I be worried about the branding? Or the fact this behemoth of a company is buying it's way into every corner of my life. Close your eyes and imagine a few drones trying to see everything you do in your apartment. That's what it is. This ain't the internet I ordered :-(

You don't have to own or use any of Google's products.

If you text people with Android phones, Google can read your text messages even if you don't use their products.

Re: Google Buys Fitbit for $2.1B

#668

Post by vmurthy »

antisthenes wrote: post #463
hugi wrote: post #446

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Nah, what they want is me, ie. my data. I'm throwing away that fitbit (Google Personal information gathering device) and deleting my account. I'm informed enough to make that decision. Unfortunately thousands of users that just got sold out are not. Fuck Google.

We live in fast times. In a little less than a decade the perception of Google went from 'Best search on the internet' and 'Do no evil' to 'Fuck Google' and 'Delete your accounts with them'; and 'their search has gotten exponentially worse' No skin in the game from me (I only use Gmail for non-essential shopping), just an observation. Personally, I think it's great. I'm proud to stand with the vocal minority against…

> No skin in the game from me (I only use Gmail for non-essential shopping), just an observation.

This is really commendable. Do you host your own E-mail/Calendar/Contacts server? if so, what's your setup like in terms of hardware and the software stack?

Re: Google Buys Fitbit for $2.1B

#669

Post by x220 »

gandutraveler wrote: post #527

Expect the Google fit app to have these branding changes over the coming years : Fit - > Fitbit -> Google Fitbit -> Android Fit -> Finally back to Google Fit in 2023

And in 2024 they cancel the product line and cease all product support despite the large and passionate user base.

Re: Google Buys Fitbit for $2.1B

#670

Post by ksajadi »

dcgudeman wrote: post #639
kops wrote: post #628

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Should I be worried about the branding? Or the fact this behemoth of a company is buying it's way into every corner of my life. Close your eyes and imagine a few drones trying to see everything you do in your apartment. That's what it is. This ain't the internet I ordered :-(

You don't have to own or use any of Google's products.

While that sounds like a logical argument it’s becoming more and more difficult and will be impossible soon. It’s like saying you can live without electricity. Sure you can and there are people who do but that’s not the point. The point is a single company owning so much information about so many people without proper oversight. In such world it doesn’t matter if YOU are not a google user. You’ll suffer the consequences regardless. Start with how such a society is going to vote in elections and move from there.
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