Google Profits Etc
Probably not news to you, I know, but may as well mention it for the sake of completedness:
“Google’s profits more than doubled in its second quarter as it continued to perform more strongly than its nearest rival Yahoo”
It’s almost too predictable.
Interesting bit:
“Sergey Brin told analysts that one of its latest products, Google Checkout, was seeing healthy adoption rates. It smoothes the checkout process for users clicking through to and buying from advertisers’ sites. “We believe these benefits will increase advertisers’ spending and bring more advertisers to Google,”
We international aliens can’t wait to see it, Sergey 
He has the right idea, though. It’s not just about taking the money off the advertisers, it’s about growing their business, which will, in turn, grow Googles’ business.
Expertu
I can only hope to be one of those “natives” who benefit the GRAND honour of buying or selling trough Checkout.
For the moment, Europe is alienated, as you say.
Peter Da Vanzo
As is Australasia. Still, we’re used to it – Yahoo don’t appear to want us much either.
Julie
For detailed info about 2Q earnings, check out the v7 tech blog! (I posted about it earlier).
RE: alienation……. Google tends to release products to a limited audience at first, and then expands internationally. They just did this with Video, so I don’t see why they won’t do it with payments as well. They probably just have to go through more hoops and ladders to get things done on an international scale.
Expertu
Julie, they’ve been going through hoops and ladders since 1996.
DatingTips
Finally, Google will face the antitrust laws. It has to.