Google Announces Enhancements for Google Domain Users

Google has announced some new enhancements for those with domains with the “enabled pre-release features” checkbox disabled in the Administration Control Panel. The company plans to release specific features for these domains on Feb. 22:

The Visible Bcc: This feature will provide e-mail recipients with an indicator when they are added with Bcc on an e-mail. The visible Bcc header will only be added to messages sent from another Gmail user, not from external sources. With this feature, each Bcc recipient will only see themselves on the Bcc list.

The PDF Attachments: These attachments will now show the “View” link open with Chrome’s native PDF viewer, if available.

All languages will be supported by Gmail for these enhancements, and the editions to receive the enhancements include Google (News - Alert) Apps, Google Apps for Business, Government and Education.

In addition to these enhancements to Google’s offerings, the company has been getting a lot of attention in the headlines as of late. TMCnet reported Wednesday that Google announced One Pass, an initiative that will allow publishers to charge for subscription-based access to digital media.

This latest development follows Apple’s lead and allows publishers to sell subscriptions at any length with auto-renewal, including day passes or any other duration of time.

Google is also on track to make another purchase of software company ITA (News - Alert). Opposition is mounting, however, and the Justice Department is currently considering whether Google's $700 million purchase of the software company would violate antitrust laws.

Google representatives may end up in court again as VoIP has filed suit against the Internet giant for patent infringement and stolen trade secrets. The suit stems from a September 2005 contract in which VoIP, Inc. (News - Alert)’s subsidiary, VoiceOne Communications, agreed to provide Google with its patented “Click to Call” technology that would allow Internet users to place a call to advertisers or merchants by simply clicking on a link on a website.

The Internet giant is also pointing fingers as J.C. Penney was caught gaming Google by going against its rules for Internet advertising. The retailer’s search engine optimization contractor posted thousands of links pointing from low-quality websites back to J.C. Penney’s website. Considered dodgy search engine optimization practices, they are strictly forbidden by Google.