This is just the beginning, at some point, they will flip.
Google was our darling, that could do no wrong. Just imagine, to be bold and say "Don't be evil!" And then, what happened? This is just a short term reaction to quiet down the noise, but their long term hand has been exposed. They are not going to do it, but note that nothing says they won't try to or do it again in the far future.
What I really will like to know is how they will profit off that data. Is it even going to make a bump on their bottom line?
What happened ? Google is still one of the better players around. They pulled out of DoD contracts etc. This site just hates it for every single thing..it's just group think now , majority of the general public still loves it.
What about bathroom breaks ? Also even Microsoft insurance is better than Amazon. All my friends say Amazon's perks sucks. Even at the concert apparently people were allowed two non-alcoholic drinks for the first time. There was a joke that this was a big deal when it came to perks.
Majority of the general public does definitely not love, nor hate Google. They are merely indifferent and tolerate it, just like they tolerate Microsoft, or more recently Facebook, despite all the flaws and annoyances their products have.
The general public does not really care, they just want to get on with their lives.
What I really will like to know is how they will profit off that data. Is it even going to make a bump on their bottom line?