Google Dabbles In Dodgeball

In May of 2005, Google acquired Dodgeball, and then . . . nothing. Now, almost a year and a half later, Dodgeball users are being asked to sign in using a Google account, which led one blogger to remark that the company "is apparently a Google orphan no more."

Steve Poland, "allows users with cell phones to notify their friends via text messages (SMS) as to what bar or restaurant they currently are at (and thus where their friends can meet them for a drink)." Changes to this relatively small service, which is only available in 22 cities, may not have massive repercussions. Still, asking users to sign in with a Google Account is a move that has raised some eyebrows. "Though not surprising, it is concerning that some people (ahem, me) will have so many services linked to one ID that can be cracked or subpoenaed," wrote sic]." And as Del.icio.us | Digg | Yahoo! My Web | Furl Bookmark murdok: Doug is a staff writer for murdok for the latest eBusiness news.