Web Robin

Google+ Ad: New Dad

This commercial debuted tonight during the Grammys:



It's not about me, but the story is real, based on a colleague who in his haste, lost his phone in a cab with all his newborn baby's photos on it. For me, I know every photo and video I take with my phone or my other gadgets is saved for me on Google+, to share or save when I want to. Just one of the many many things we're doing on Google+ that's different and better for our users. Enjoy the ad.

I Interview One of Music's Rising Stars

One of the cool things about working at one of the fastest-moving but furthest-reaching companies in the world is getting to know incredible people from around the globe. One of the interesting stories that's come out of Google+ is a musician who came from obscurity, but started holding live concerts through our Hangouts. Daria Musk has incredible energy. I invited her to Mountain View and interviewed her, before she sang a few songs in a private concert.

The full experience is now live on YouTube. I talk with her for about 10-15 minutes and then you get to hear her jam. You'll hear her name again.

Circles: A Love Story

Speaking of Google shorts... have you seen the commercials for Google+ that just started on Thanksgiving? Here is my favorite one so far. They were made under the direction of my boss, working with my colleagues. It's for my product, but isn't my handiwork. I hope you are checking out Google+. It's getting better and better and more incredible every day.

I Start At Google On Monday! Join Me. :)

Big news! I have a new job at Google, and will start work Monday morning as a Product Marketing Manager focused on Google+, their new social network, which debuted last month. Google+, unlike Facebook or Twitter, makes it easy for you to share to groups of friends when you want, while also sharing publicly if you want. Lots of people have joined and are sharing photos, videos, stories and even doing live video hangouts. I am excited about helping the team and I hope you get to be some of the first to join me there!

For some background on the new job, I posted on it yesterday on my blog and it was written about in a few places too, which was great. It's fun to see all the enthusiasm.

See my post: Google+ 1 More: I'm Joining Google Monday

Also:

TechCrunch: Google Hires Silicon Valley Tech Blogger Louis Gray as Google+ Evangelist

SiliconFilter: Louis Gray Joins Google to Become a Google+ Evangelist

Plus Headlines: Louis Gray To Become The Face of Google+

 

You can find me on Google+ here and I have lots of invites. Please take one! 

 

Today's SF Chronicle Biz Section Front Page

The story highlights the Teens In Tech Network, a group of young entrepreneurs, where I am an advisor, and have been helping them with their new companies all summer. Guess whose mug ended up in the picture on the front page of the business section of the Chronicle?

Article: San Francisco Chronicle

New Job as VP, Marketing of my6sense

Some big news not related to the twins (for once)! As of today, I am starting a new position as the vice president of marketing for my6sense, an Israeli-based company who has some great technology focused on personalization. I'll be their first US employee! They have an iPhone app today and we're working to bring their tech to more places and partnerships, so your Web browsing experience can be better, no matter where you go.

(Download the app now if you have iPhone, iPad or iPod Touch)

I'll save you the details, but it's big move. I've already been working with them for 12 months as an advisor, and this month, they asked me to take the engagement to a full-time role. It's said the best job opportunities come when you're not looking, so that's absolutely the case here.

Media Coverage of the move:

ReadWriteWeb: My6Sense & The Geek Who Rode His Blog to the Edge of the World
louisgray.com: Why My6sense: Right Time, Right Place, Right Context
SiliconAngle: Veteran blogger Louis Gray Joins My6sense
TheWadi.com: My6sense hires blogger Louis Gray as VP marketing

I also got time to do a call with popular blogger Robert Scoble last night. The recording is below, where I talk about it more:

Louis Interviewed on Tech's Future (from March)

Back in March, I did a two-part interview with AustinCast at the South by Southwest conference. I thought these videos might never be published, but had been awaiting them, of course. Today -- they showed up. If you're ever curious about just why/what I'm doing on the tech side with my blog, hopefully this can help.

Notice also that due to its having been recorded a while ago, I mention Matthew and Sarah are only 8 and a half months old. Time flies, huh?
 

Inspiration for educators

Here's a video of a young boy giving an incredible keynote speech for the Back-to-school meeting for Dallas Unified School district. It was sent by one of the execs at work to remind us what we're really working for: the betterment of students. It's a good reminder to all of us to do what we can to help the next generation succeed.

Not all work

We're wrapping up in St. Louis. I finished my last class (of 5) yesterday, but have some administrative duties today.

After lunch, Kathy Turner, a member of my staff of writers, came in. She lives just a couple of hours away from St. L. Her husband Jamie (shown with me at right) drove in after he got off work and we all went to dinner.

While the rest of the gang ate dessert, Jamie took me for a spin on his motorcycle! I loved it!!!

By the way, we had a gratifying moment at breakfast today. During the "Recognition" part of MC Kerry's remarks, my boss and team and I were introduced and received polite applause like everyone else had. Then Kerry mentioned that we'd put the 400-page book of handouts together, the audience spontaneously burst into real applause! That was fun. Nice to have one's efforts appreciated.

On to St. Louis!

I'm headed out today to Missouri for the last conference of our summer season, and will be back Friday. While it's fun to see co-workers who live all over the US, and to interact with customers, it will be wonderful to reclaim my home life.

I just hope there's plenty of summer to enjoy once I get back!!!