Australia Blog
News and notes from Google Down Under
10,000 Australians trained through Digital Springboard
Friday, December 20, 2019
Infoxchange and Google Australia launched
Digital Springboard
in 2018 to help address Australia’s digital skills shortage by delivering face-to-face training across the country.
The program aims to improve digital skills for all, while supporting transitions to work and career growth through courses that build job readiness skills, as well as topics like social media strategy and an introduction to coding.
This week, the program reached a milestone of 10,000 people trained, helping people across the country get the digital skills they need to apply for a job or reach the next level in their career.
The courses are delivered face-to-face in partnership with more than 150 community groups, libraries and not-for-profits.
Infoxchange CEO David Spriggs said he was proud of the impact that Digital Springboard has had in communities from Perth to Gundagai, the Barossa Valley, Shepparton and beyond to boost digital skills.
“We’ve heard some amazing stories along the way from the people who’ve come along to our sessions,” Mr Spriggs said.
“A chef who’d been out of work for some time had created a CV with his job network provider but wasn’t getting any job offers, after he completed our Digital Springboard Build a CV course and learned about online tools that could strengthen his CV, he got the first position he applied for.”
“Our data shows that participants across the board feel more knowledgeable about the topic and more confident putting their new digital skills into practise after attending a Digital Springboard course.”
You can find details on Digital Springboard’s reach and impact
here
. To find out more about the program and courses near you, check out
Digital Springboard
.
Posted by Hannah Frank, Public Policy and Government Relations Manager, Google Australia
Map out your holidays with these tips from Google Maps
Wednesday, December 18, 2019
The holidays are rapidly approaching–which means a time of food, family and fun. As we kick off this season, feast your eyes on our best Google Maps tips to help you save time, reduce stress and navigate the festivities with ease.
Let Google Maps be your ultimate sidekick
Google Maps is here to help you get around, explore your city and get your holiday to-do list done efficiently–while maintaining your sanity. Check out our favourite tips to keep your festive season as stress free as possible:
Search along your route
: If you’re on the road and realise you need to make a stop–say you’re running low on fuel or-gasp!-found out the ham was burned–use Google Maps to search for a servo, butcher or other places along your drive so you can tackle your tasks without going too far out of your way.
Share your ETA
: No one likes having to wait to pop the Christmas crackers. Let friends and family know when they can expect you with just a few taps.
Find hidden gems
: If you’re heading home for the first time in a while or travelling to a new city, use the Explore tab find the best restaurants, sights and events happening in your area.
Don’t get lost
: If you’re exploring on foot, Live View can help you figure out which way to walk with arrows and directions clearly overlaid on the map.
Save precious time
: Use the Popular Times feature to see when holiday destinations are most crowded so you can know exactly when to visit.
For Sydneysiders, we’ve also mapped the trends to help locals better avoid holiday crowds, or find places and activities your whole family will enjoy.
Avoid the crowds
Holiday crowds can easily transform a quick stop into an hours-long adventure. To save you time, we analysed Popular Times data at bakeries, liquor stores, movie theatres and shopping centres during Christmas week so you can know exactly when the crowds tend to peak and when to avoid them. Pro-tip: If you don't like lines, avoid shopping centres on Christmas Eve around 2pm!
Inspiration for travelling family and friends
If you have friends and family joining you this festive season, and want to show them some local sights, take them out for a meal to give you and your kitchen a rest, or pick up a Boxing Day bargain, we’ve got the top trending places. No surprises we’re headed outdoors -- park cricket anyone?
Happy holidays!
Got cravings? Order it with a little help from Google Search and Maps
Tuesday, December 17, 2019
Whether you need your morning coffee, a mango smoothie on-the-go or pizza delivery, pre-ordering food can save the day (and a long wait in a queue) when you need it.
Starting today, we’re making it even easier to order food, right on Google Search or Maps. From well known cafes and restaurants like Boost Juice, Chatime, Domino’s, Grill'd, Guzman y Gomez, Pizza Hut and many local cafes and restaurants via HeyYou (with more coming soon!), you can now order takeaway with a few simple clicks. You’ll also be able to request home delivery through Pizza Hut and participating Domino’s.
Look out for the “Order Takeaway” or “Order Online” buttons (for home delivery with Pizza Hut and participating Domino’s) in Google Search and Maps when you search for a restaurant or type of cuisine. For participating restaurants, you can make your selections with just a few taps, choose to pick-up as soon as possible, and check out with
Google Pay
. You can also choose to quickly reorder your go-to meal by selecting your usual dish.
So, what are you craving today?
If you’re part of a business and would like to bring this technology to your customers,
let us know
.
Helping provide information during the bushfire crisis
Monday, December 16, 2019
Throughout the bushfires crisis over the past few weeks and months, Australians have searched for updates on fire conditions near them, as well as help and safety information. This was reflected in our
2019 Year in Search list
published last week, which shows that ‘fires near me’ was the highest Search query in Australia for the year.
The emergency services already provide a wealth of information, so using that data we want to make sure that people can access timely and useful bushfire information when they come to Google Search and Maps. Working with emergency services we launch SOS alerts as a crisis unfolds to provide the most useful and authoritative information through Search, Maps and Android Notifications.
We also use the Google
Crisis Map
to inform people of current bushfire locations, as well as the alert level, so they can take the necessary action as per guidance from the emergency services.
In addition to product support, Google staff in Australia have led a global fundraising effort over the last month, with staff donations, matched contributions and a grant from Google.org raising $500,000 for the Australian Red Cross for bushfire relief.
As the bushfires continue, we are working with the Fire and Emergency Services in all states and territories to ensure coverage across Australia to give people and communities relevant information available when they need it most.
Posted by Kia Wahl, Strategic Partner Development Manager, Google Australia
Your Pixel phone just got more helpful with the new Google Assistant and feature drops
Thursday, December 12, 2019
What if you could buy a phone that got more helpful over time? With a Pixel phone, that’s exactly what you get, with regular feature updates and product improvements rolling out over the life of your phone.
Aussies who own a Pixel 4 can now start enjoying the all new Google Assistant in English. So, what’s new?
Get help faster:
Thanks to a deeper integration into Pixel 4, the Google Assistant is now a faster way to get more things done. Breakthroughs in speech processing mean that more requests can happen right on your phone, without always sending your request to the cloud.
Multitask seamlessly:
We redesigned the Assistant so it doesn’t take up too much room on your screen, letting you better multitask across other apps. It can quickly open apps and search, share what's on your screen, and more.
Enjoy smarter answers and actions
: The new Google Assistant considers the context of your query to give you more helpful answers. For example, you can ask the Assistant to “show my photos from Palm Beach” and then say “the ones with Sophie.” Then, you can share a picture by saying “send it to Mum.”
The new Google Assistant will roll out to AU Pixel 4 devices in English by Dec 31st, 2019.
This month, Pixel owners will also get even more helpful features – like simplifying portrait photos, making Duo calls more seamless, speeding up and making Google Maps more accurate – in our first Pixel feature drop, coming to a range of Pixel devices. Pixel owners will get software updates that unlock new features and apps so you get that new phone feeling without needing to upgrade.
Portrait Blur for all
Whether you have a Pixel 1, 2, 3, 3a or 4, it’ll be easier than ever to snap a great photo with features like Dual Exposure controls and the new and improved Night Sight that
captures the stars
with astrophotography. And we wanted to give Pixel owners an even easier way to take great pictures, starting with portrait mode. Now, you can make any photo a portrait on Pixel by blurring the background post-snap to get a beautiful portrait-like photo every time. So whether you took the photo years ago, or you forgot to turn on portrait mode, you can easily give each picture an artistic look with Portrait Blur in Google Photos.
Portrait Blur is already rolling out to Pixel 2, 3, 3a and 4 users – and will hit all Pixels in the coming weeks. To get the new feature drop, update to the latest version of Android and go to the Play Store to start your download.
Pixel 4 owners will also enjoy faster, better calls via Duo as part of this feature drop. The new on-device AI built into Pixel 4 helps keep your audio consistent, the advanced display helps reduce choppy video chatting – and Duo will automatically adjust to keep you in the frame during a video call.
Pixel phones have always received quarterly updates to improve performance and make your device safer with bug fixes and incremental improvements. Now, Feature Drops will bring more helpful and fun features to users on a regular basis to continue to make your Pixel better than ever.
Posted by Shenaz Zack, Group Product Manager
Year in Search: Here’s what Aussies searched for in 2019
Wednesday, December 11, 2019
From bushfires to rugby and plant-based recipes – our Searches showed our greatest curiosities, quirks and cravings in 2019.
As the year comes to a close, it’s time to look back at the moments that had Aussies searching, wondering – and baking scones. It's been a year of battling bushfires, following elections and learning how to #kicklikeagirl. We welcomed a Royal Baby, bid farewell to some of the greats, and looked for answers during crises. Whether we were building decks, looking to vote or solving rubix cubes, we turned to Search when we wanted to learn, understand or needed a helping hand.
Here's a summary of five themes that defined Search in Australia in 2019:
Fires, floods and disasters
2019 was the year we navigated natural disasters, both on our shores and abroad. “Fires near me” was the highest Search query in Australia for the year – and our top trending News Searches included “NSW fires,” “Cyclone Oma,” and “Townsville flooding.” Beyond our borders, we showed our concern for the Amazon and asked why it was burning. We also tried to make sense of atrocities and attacks, searching for Christchurch and Sri Lanka – and why Hong Kong is protesting.
All about sport
Whether we were watching live, following our teams or looking up scores, our passion for sport came through in Search. We followed the Rugby, Cricket and Basketball World Cups – and tuned into the Ashes.
Female sports stars also shone bright in Search this year. Ash Barty topped the list of top trending Aussies overall, Tayla Harris was the top football player – while queries for “Women’s World Cup” were among the top trending Searches for sporting events in Australia.
Crafty, creative and curious
Aussies were full of questions and projects in 2019, both big and small. We embarked on DIY craft, beauty and home renovation projects – asking how to make beeswax wraps, face masks, and decorations. We certainly didn’t shy away from large-scale projects however, as the top trending DIY Search was “how to build a deck.”
Our questions ranged from practical, political, pop-cultural, scientific and religious. As Aussies hit the polling booths, we looked for help on how to vote. We also wondered how to pronounce “psalm,” what a VSCO girl and astrophysicist is – along with the timeless question, “How to win the Powerball.” Madonna was also a subject of our Search attention as we wondered why she wore an eye patch at Eurovision, which led the list of top trending “Why is…?” queries.
Colourful cravings
From scones to risotto, apple pie to fried rice, Aussies had a palette for all kinds of sweet, savoury and multicultural dishes this year. While we looked up hearty classics like osso buco and beef stroganoff, Searches for “plant based recipes” took the cake in 2019, leading the list of top trending recipes. And as the ketogenic craze continues, we also asked what the keto diet is.
New beginnings and goodbyes
Aussies showed their support for the Royal baby this year, as the world welcomed little Archie in May. We also bid farewell to politicians, fashion icons, sports stars and actors. We mourned the loss of local legend Bob Hawke – as well as global powerhouses, Karl Lagerfeld and Doris Day.
To rediscover the events, people and topics that defined 2019 around the world, watch our global Year in Search video:
To dive into Australia's lists, check out Australia's full trending* lists for 2019:
Searches (Trending)
Fires near me
Rugby World Cup
Cricket World Cup
Election results Australia 2019
Cameron Boyce
Thanos
Avengers Endgame
Danny Frawley
The fall of the Berlin wall
Christchurch shooting
News (Trending)
Election results Australia 2019
Christchurch shooting
NSW fires
Cyclone Oma
Sri Lanka
NSW election
Brexit
Townsville flooding
Royal baby
Amazon fire
Sporting events (Trending)
Rugby World Cup
Cricket World Cup
FIBA World Cup
Cricket Australia
Pakistan vs Australia
Ashes score
Copa America
Ashes 4th test
NRL grand final
Women's World Cup
Global figures (Trending)
James Charles
Billie Eilish
Jordyn Woods
Greta Thunberg
Keanu Reeves
Julian Assange
Lady Gaga
Tsitsipas
Bradley Cooper
Prince Andrew
Australian public figures (Trending)
Ash Barty
Fraser Anning
Israel Folau
Cody Simpson
Scott Morrison
Bill Shorten
Jack Vidgen
George Pell
Tayla Harris
Chris Lilley
Loss (Trending)
Cameron Boyce
Danny Frawley
Luke Perry
Bob Hawke
Annalise Braakensiek
Karl Lagerfeld
Keith Flint
Doris Day
Mike Willesee
Ben Unwin
Recipes (Trending)
Plant based recipes
Scones recipes
Beef stroganoff recipes
MKR recipes 2019
Apple pie recipes
Frittata recipes
Fried rice recipes
Risotto recipes
Hello Fresh recipes
Osso buco recipes
How to…? (Trending)
How to vote
How to watch Game of Thrones
How to vote labor 2019
How to vote liberal
How to pronounce psalm
How to vote in NSW State Election
How to vote early
How to win Powerball
How to opt out of my health
How to solve a rubix cube
Why is..? (Trending)
Why is Madonna wearing an eye patch at Eurovision
Why is the Amazon burning
Why is Australia Day on the 26th
Why is the Press Club closing
Why is Instagram not working
Why is ASAP rocky in jail
Why is Hong Kong protesting
Why is Halloween celebrated
Why is ANZAC day commemorated on 25 April
Why is Turkey invading Syria
What is…? (Trending)
What is area 51
What is momo
What is Brexit
What is a VSCO girl
What is a boomer
What is keto diet
What is an astrophysicist
What is negative gearing
What is Diwali
What is vaping
Top related searches for “DIY” in 2019 in Australia (Most Searched)
How to build a deck
DIY face mask
How to lay pavers
DIY halloween costumes
Beeswax wraps DIY
DIY Christmas decorations
DIY balloon garland
DIY garage
DIY lip scrub
DIY dog wash
Posted by Camilla Ibrahim, Communications & Public Affairs Manager, Google Australia
* Trending Searches:
What was hot in 2019?
The "trending" queries are the searches that had the highest spike in traffic over a sustained period in 2019 as compared to 2018.
* Most Searched:
What topped Google’s charts?
The "most searched" queries are the most popular terms for 2019—ranked in order by volume of searches.
It’s time to #YouTubeRewind: Here are the videos you liked in 2019
Friday, December 6, 2019
As 2020 draws near, it’s time to celebrate the moments that defined the past twelve months in pop culture.
In 2019, you were moved by an unlikely country star
Lil Nas X
and
Lil Dicky
’s anthem for the Earth (maybe it’s something about a ‘Lil’?!), you joined forces with MrBeast and the rest of the world to make
this video
the most liked on YouTube, you watched in awe as Katelyn Ohashi nailed
that floor routine
, and you finally got to see
Gordon Ramsay sit down with Sean Evans to take on Hot Ones
.
But it was Aussie superstars, Superwog, who maintained their reign, once again appearing in the top trending videos list--this time in the number one spot making us laugh as they headed into the
gym
. Fellow Aussie creators, The Norris Nuts landed in ninth as Slender Mum let the kids turn 21 for
one vlog only
.
2019 also saw creators transform into mainstream celebrities with genre-defying influence:
James Charles
and Tati’s back-and-forth transcended the beauty community, and
Shane Dawson
continued to find success with his longform docuseries format and foray into the makeup world.
Tuning into the top trending music videos, powerhouse female artists continued to transform the sound of pop. Ari dominated with two songs (
7 rings
and
break up with your girlfriend, i'm bored
) in Australia’s top 10--but it was the newest and first Aussie to join
YouTube’s Artist on the Rise program
,
Tones and I
, that really got us dancing.
These were all the moments that had Australians watching, commenting and sharing in 2019:
Australia’s Top Trending Videos
Collectively, these 10 videos were viewed more than 393 million times globally, and the channels behind them total more than 190 million subscribers.
Going to the Gym
No More Lies
Make This Video The Most Liked Video on YouTube
Conspiracy Theories with Shane Dawson
how to create billie eilish’s “bad guy”
Gordon Ramsay Savagely Critiques Spicy Wings | Hot Ones
Minecraft Part 1
Katelyn Ohashi - 10.0 Floor (1-12-19)
LETTING OUR KIDS TURN 21 YEARS OLD **GONE WRONG** | Norris Nuts
73 Questions With Kim Kardashian West (ft. Kanye West) | Vogue
Australia’s Top Trending Music Videos
In 2019, we were hooked on the biggest global releases of the year, singing along to ‘bad guy’ (as well as
recreating it
) and busting a move to Señorita. It was a breaking Aussie artist that really captured our hearts this year however, with a banger called Dance Monkey.
Billie Eilish - bad guy
Sam Smith, Normani - Dancing With A Stranger
Ariana Grande - 7 rings
Shawn Mendes, Camila Cabello - Señorita
Lil Nas X - Old Town Road (Official Movie) ft. Billy Ray Cyrus
TONES AND I - DANCE MONKEY (OFFICIAL VIDEO)
Lil Dicky - Earth (Official Music Video)
Ed Sheeran & Justin Bieber - I Don't Care [Official Video]
Ariana Grande - break up with your girlfriend, i'm bored
Taylor Swift - ME! (feat. Brendon Urie of Panic! At The Disco)
Australia’s Top Trending Music Videos from Australian
Artists Looking at local acts, there’s no surprise that Tones and I has two songs in Australia’s top trending music list after her multiple ARIA Awards wins last month. Amy Shark makes the top 10 for the second year in a row and hip-hop is truly represented with ONEFOUR and Hilltop Hoods.
TONES AND I - DANCE MONKEY (OFFICIAL VIDEO)
ONEFOUR - Spot the Difference
ONEFOUR - The Message
TONES AND I - JOHNNY RUN AWAY (OFFICIAL VIDEO)
Guy Sebastian - Choir (Official)
Hilltop Hoods - Exit Sign feat. Illy & Ecca Vandal
Hp Boyz - BluePrint. (Official Music Video)
Amy Shark - Mess Her Up (Official Video)
ONEFOUR - Ladz in the Hood
Birds of Tokyo - Good Lord (Official Video)
Top Emerging Australian Creators
#YouTubeRewind also examined the growth of local channels to unearth the top five Emerging Aussie YouTube Creators for 2019--those that started a channel this year and have seen the largest growth.
Two car channels appear in our top five this year, with mates Al and Woody, and Benny’s Custom Works (you might recognise him from
MCMTV2
). Rounding out the list is a diverse mix of creators and content with Mully who plays in VR, and Martha from MAFS and Georgia Productions younger sister Lily Grace, who both share insights into their daily lives.
The Skid Factory
Lily Grace
Mully
Benny’s Custom Works
Martha Kalifatidis
It's also time for our annual Rewind video. Last year, we made the most disliked video on YouTube, ever. So this year we took a different approach and looked at what you liked--a lot. Our Rewind 2019 video compiles the top videos and creators that you liked, shared, and watched the most around the world, from the biggest games to must-swatch beauty palettes and breakout stars.
So this is it--what your eyes voted for:
YouTube Rewind 2019: For the Record | #YouTubeRewind
For a deeper look at the year on YouTube and to see the top videos and trends across the globe, head to this year's
Rewind site
.
Posted by Kristine Arnott, Communications Manager, YouTube Australia, and the YouTube Rewind team
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