Google's new privacy policy got in effect from March 1

The recent major changes in Google’s privacy policy go into effect today, March 1.

In January, Google announced a new master privacy policy that replaces more than 70 different documents and governs all of Google’s products.

Google promises the new document is easier to understand and follow, and that the essence of the company’s privacy controls isn’t changing.

“We aren’t collecting any new or additional information about users. We won’t be selling your personal data. And we will continue to employ industry-leading security to keep your information safe,” wrote Google’s Director of Privacy, Product and Engineering Alma Whitten in a blog post.

[Go to privacy policies page directly from here: http://www.google.com/policies]

Some things are changing, however: Google has removed some “inconsistencies” in its privacy policies that now allow the company to combine more of your data across various Google products – namely, YouTube and Search.

“So in the future, if you do frequent searches for Jamie Oliver, we could recommend Jamie Oliver videos when you’re looking for recipes on YouTube—or we might suggest ads for his cookbooks when you’re on other Google properties,” notes Whitten.

Check out Google’s video introduction to its new privacy policy below.

7 reasons to use Google Calendar

Welcome to Google Calendar

7 reasons to use Google Calendar

Organizing your schedule shouldn’t be a burden. With Google Calendar, it’s easy to keep track of life’s important events all in one place.

1. 

   1. Share your schedule

   Let your co-workers, family, and friends see your calendar, and view schedules that others have shared with you. When you know when everyone is free or busy, scheduling is a snap.
2. 

   2. Get your calendar on the go

   With two-way syncing to your mobile phone’s built-in calendar or a mobile version of Google Calendar that’s made for the small screen, you can access your calendar while you’re away from your desk.
3. 

   3. Never forget another event again

   Customizable reminders help you stay on schedule. You can choose to be notified by email or get a text message sent right to your mobile phone.
4. 

   4. Send invitations and track RSVPs

   Invite other people to events on your calendar. Guests can RSVP to your events by email or via Google Calendar.
5. 

   5. Sync with your desktop applications

   Access your calendar however and whenever you want by syncing events with Microsoft Outlook, Apple iCal and Mozilla Sunbird.
6. 

   6. Work offline

   Know where you’re supposed to be even when you don’t have internet access. With offline access, you can view a read-only version of your calendar no matter where you are.
7. 

   7. All this is free?

   Yep.

Export FB friends' birthdays to Google Calendar

One of Facebook‘s most useful features is the way it alerts you to the birthdays of all your buddies. Did you know that you can export this valuable data to other calendar applications?

Apple iCal, Microsoft Outlook and Google Calendar will all happily accept your exported Facebook info. We’ve pulled together a quick how-to for transferring the data to Google Calendar. You can receive E-mail and SMS alert for each birthday. 

Here's how to do it. 

1. Facebook Events

Head to your Facebook home page. Click on "Events," which you'll see in the left-hand menu.

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2. Birthdays

Hit the drop-down menu at the right of your screen and select "Birthdays."

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3. Export

In the "Birthdays" screen, hit the drop-down menu again and select "Export Birthdays."

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4. URL

This should generate a pop-up window with a URL. Copy this URL.

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5. Google Calendar

Next, go to your Google Calendar and on the left-hand side of the screen, you should see "Other Calendars." Click the drop-down menu next to this the option and select "Add by URL."

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6. Add URL

Paste the URL into the pop-up window and click "Add Calendar."

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7. Customize

You should now see "Friends' Birthdays" under your "Other Calendars."

You can change the color of the birthdays by clicking the drop-down menu.

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8. Create Alerts

Finally, one great option Google Calendar offers is the ability to set up alerts. So for example, you can set reminders a few days before each birthday.

To do this, click on the drop-down menu next to your "Friends' Birthdays" calendar. Click "Notifications." This will let you set up email reminders.

9. Create SMS Alert (For clear view, please click on the image)

You now have no excuse for missing a buddy's special day!!

[Original article here]