Here are this week’s news briefs for Google Inc. (NASDAQ:GOOG). Google Inc. (NASDAQ:GOOG) stocks ended the week at 624.18 (as of 1/14/2011).

Weekly News Roundup: Google Inc. (NASDAQ:GOOG)

Monday 10 January

Google Inc. (NASDAQ:GOOG) Android has become the hottest topic at the Consumer Electronics Show.
This year’s CES, which just ended on Sunday, was witnessing a super star without having any gadget. Although the search engine giant had not any new gadget to show case at the fest, the mobile platform, Android, was the hot topic at the show.

The major items at the show were nothing but those touch tablets, and on mobile platforms, it was Google Inc. (NASDAQ:GOOG) Android.

Tuesday 11 January

Google Inc. (NASDAQ:GOOG) has updated its Goggles image recognition software to make it faster and smarter.
Currently, Google Inc. (NASDAQ:GOOG)’s Google Goggles image recognition software is used for searches based on pictures taken by handheld devices. The newly-released Goggle 1.3 is a much-needed update from the search engine giant and is said to be much faster and feature-laden than the previous version.

According to the company’s official statement, the newest version can read bar codes more quickly and can instantly recognize printed ads on popular magazines.

The Sudoku puzzle feature is another cool option added on the new version of Google Goggles.

Wednesday 12 January

Google Inc. (NASDAQ:GOOG) has hired ex-Microsoft head as the Indian VP.
Rajan Anandan, who recently managed the operations of Microsoft India, has been hired by the search engine giant as vice president in the country. The Sri Lankan born Aandan will be responsible for the sales and operations from February onwards.

Daniel Alegre, Google Inc. (NASDAQ:GOOG) president for Japan and Asia-Pacific “We always hire the best talent available. India is an important growth country for Google”

Thursday 13 January

Google Inc. (NASDAQ:GOOG) has acquired Ebook Technologies Inc.

The acquisition of Ebook technologies start up has been considered as a part of the search engine giant’s strategy to deliver better and richer reading experience on mobile devices and tablets and electronic readers.

It is not yet clear how Google Inc. (NASDAQ:GOOG) is going to use Ebook Technologies, the end-to-end ebook platform offering a complete range of products and services related to ebooks.

The financial details of the deal were not yet disclosed.

Friday 14 January

Google Inc. (NASDAQ:GOOG)’s merger with flight ticket seller has reportedly been blocked.
A person with knowledge of the matter has reported that federal officials have been preparing a lawsuit against the search giant Google Inc. (NASDAQ:GOOG) over its merger with a firm that powers online flight ticket sales.

Although the Justice department has not yet blocked the deal, it was reported that the attorneys are having a look at the $700 Million deal which is expected to be completed soon.

We’ll be keeping a close eye on the Google Inc. share price for developments over the next few weeks.