Phil Simon: Well, I'm not sure if "need" is the right word. I'd argue, though, that Google's stock price allows it to take chances that other companies can't. What's more, we're all waiting for Act II. Beyond search/ads, I am unaware of any other Google product that accounts for more than a few percentage points of its revenue and profits. Sergey and Larry are smart enough to know that they'll need an encore. Raising general brand awareness might be part of their overall marketing strategy. I will give Google credit for not just sitting on their laurels and expecting to remain at the top of the mountain with its existing core products forever. Feb. 11, 2010, 2:35pm
tony: I think Google figure large groups of people of different ages and computer savvyness get together to watch the Superbowl. The ad generates comments and the "teachers" tell the learners how well Google does the searches. Feb. 9, 2010, 3:32am