When Canadians think of some of the largest Internet corporations, a few notable examples pop into their minds, like Microsoft or Yahoo. Google is almost always a part of this list as well. This computing leader offers Internet users a number of different advantages, from a basic browser and a maps application to search functions and a social media network.

Google is likely one of the most popular companies in Canada. This is evidenced by the fact that, as of the latest information published by Statista, Chrome is in second place in the list of the most used Internet browsers in the nation. More than 26 per cent of Canadians who go online prefer to use Google Chrome to browse. It was only bested by Internet Explorer, which took 35.87 per cent of the market share.

The influence of Google on Canadian Internet users continues to grow. A number of new developments within the company might mean change for people who go online in their daily lives in the near future.

Google use increasing
According to Deepfield, considering all of the functions of Google - from actually using the Chrome browser to visiting the various associated websites - Google accounts for 25 per cent of all Internet use across North America. The news source said that in Canada, the United States and Mexico, the only website that results in more bandwidth being used is Netflix. Even then, Google's data is more steady throughout the day, as Netflix tends to peak during nighttime hours.

Wired Magazine reported that this is notable, because across the continent in 2010, Google use was steady at 6 per cent of Internet traffic.

"What's really interesting is, over just the past year, how pervasive Google has become, not just in Google data centers, but throughout the North American internet," Deepfield founder Craig Labovitz told the magazine, referring to the numbers as "astounding."

Cutting the cord
Moreover, a number of Canadians are looking into how they can use Google services to watch TV on the Internet, effectively "cutting the cord" on their traditional television sets in order to save money. Canada.com reported that Google recently launched the Chromecast device, which allows users to stream Internet content to their TV sets, which tend to have larger screens than their PCs.

The news source said that this device isn't yet available in Canada, but consumers are calling for its introduction into our market. Interested parties might want to keep themselves informed on this development, as there is no set date to release the product in Canada. Shoppers cannot buy the tool online yet, but it is currently being sold on shelves in the United States.

Chromebooks
A Google-created device that is available in Canada, however, might be useful to many consumers. The Chromebook, a notebook that has very few functions other than connecting to the Internet, could be attractive to those who tend to only use computers to surf online. The devices are cheaper than their laptop counterparts.

Tech Radar reported that thus far in Canada, sales are slow, but they could pick up. The source, citing a Forrsights Hardware survey, noted that 28 per cent of consumers in the United Kingdom, U.S., France, Germany and Canada are interested in the devices. That being said, 16 per cent were interested and 4 per cent have bought in.