Google Video Launches in Australia

SYDNEY, Australia – September 28, 2006 – Google Inc. today announced the launch of Google Video in Australia, making it easier for Australians to search for, upload and share their videos. When users visit Google Video at video.google.com.au, they can now discover a large range of local video content, including funny home videos, movie trailers, music videos and sports clips – from both amateur and professional video producers – as well as search through Google’s growing international index of online videos.

Google Video is fast and simple to use. Users can quickly and easily upload a video at video.google.com.au free of charge, and share it with Google Video users worldwide. There is no limit to the file size that users can upload. Additionally, Google Video enables anyone to:

• Search for video content from anywhere in the world, from user-generated videos to professionally produced work
• Post content to blogs and community sites such as MySpace
• Download content to a personal computer or handheld devices like the Apple Video iPod or Sony PSP
• Look up the Top 100 videos as well as track content that is quickly gaining popularity
• Rate content from one to five stars, as well as to add their own comments
• Share their content with users globally

"We believe that online video is a huge growth area on the internet. The technology has become accessible and increasing bandwidth has made it easy for people to express themselves and share their content with one another," said Richard Kimber, managing director, South East Asia, Google Inc. "We have developed a locally tailored version of Google Video specially for Australian users, and we’re excited to be working with Australian content providers and advertisers to help them reach a global online audience."

In addition to the thousands of amateur video producers who are uploading their own videos to Google Video, a number of local video content producers have been working with Google to distribute their content through Google Video. "We have a very strong list of content providers at launch and this is clear evidence of the demand in the Australian market for an online video service powered by Google," added Kimber.

Current partners and highlights of Google’s Australian video collection include:

• Australian Broadcasting Corporation. Short form content of flagship ABC shows, including The Chaser, Countdown, Enough Rope and We Can Be Heroes.
• Australian Film TV and Radio School. Short films by some of Australia’s foremost young writers and directors as well as leading international actors. Hugo Weaving, David Wenham, Jackie Weaver, Noah Taylor, Zoe Carides, John Polson, Barry Otto and Aden Young are among the stars in films by Robert Connolly, Rowan Woods, Ivan Sen, David Lowe and many others.
• Fairfax Digital. A diverse range of content covering everything from breaking news to fashion, movies, cooking, cars, technology and business. Plus popular entertainment shows such as Trash Talk and Sam and the City.
• Film Australia. Historic Australian footage dating back to 1930, including rare footage of Sir Donald Bradman’s earliest Test matches.
• Network Ten. Many of the network’s most popular Australian shows, including David Tench Tonight, Ronnie Johns, Rove Live and The Wedge.
• SONYBMG.Video clips for a range of Australian bands including exclusive content from the new DVD launch for Pete Murray – ‘A Year In The Sun’

"Google is a great brand with fantastic reach, and its audience profile is complementary with TEN’s," said Damian Smith, General Manager, Digital Media, Network TEN. "Our participation in the launch of Google Video in Australia is an important part of our strategy to secure the widest possible digital distribution for our programming."

About Google Inc.

Google’s innovative search technologies connect millions of people around the world with information every day. Founded in 1998 by Stanford Ph.D. students Larry Page and Sergey Brin, Google today is a top web property in all major global markets. Google’s targeted advertising program provides businesses of all sizes with measurable results, while enhancing the overall web experience for users. Google is headquartered in Silicon Valley with offices throughout the Americas, Europe, and Asia. For more information, visit www.google.com.

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PR contact:

Scott Rowe
Tel: 02 9660 9575
Mobile: 0411 055 294
Email: scott@edge.net.au

Labels: Australia new announcements