Google has once again outlined its serious intentions to move into the travel sector with the launch of Hotel Finder. The site is designed to generate a list of appropriate hotels – based on star ranking, cost or user comments – within a geographical area using Google Maps.

Google has confirmed the US launch of its much-rumoured “Wallet”, which will allow US users to buy goods and services using digital money. The technology giant has made no comments yet on a European launch, although the likes of Orange and O2 are already preparing for the service, which allows customers to buy anything from coffee to fastfood using their phones.

The United States Department of Justice has confirmed it will allow Google to proceed with its proposed acquisition of ITA Software, however, a series of touch conditions have been laid down. Under the terms of the agreement Google will be required to develop and license travel software, to establish internal firewall procedures and to continue software research and development.

Google Ventures has entered the holiday home rentals market by investing in HomeAway, Inc., parent company of HomeAway Holiday-Rentals and Owners Direct in the UK. Google purchased shares from existing shareholders to invest in the company.

Search Engine Google and Verizon, a leading internet service provider and formerly one of the AT&T Bell companies, are close to finalising a deal which would facilitate Verizon’s being able to speed online content to internet users more quickly, if the content’s creators are willing to pay for it.

New developments in mobile phone technology have shifted the search giants focus to mobile advertising. What are the latest developments to emerge from Google’s mobile labs?