The odd thing is that after checking out a couple of those videos, I didn't spot any ads...

I read that blog post the other day. I still think the author was too apologetic on Google's behalf, especially early into the post. Apart from their initial foray into search, I can't think of any innovation out of Google. At least not anything home brewed. Even the examples given by the author were the product of acquisition, including GMail.

Google, IMO is simply like the Borg from Star Trek. With the same amount of creativity, passion and attention to detail.