The Wall Street Journal has reported that Google is close to launching their cloud storage service to rival the likes of Dropbox. With almost every device becoming a web-enabled device, cloud-storage is becoming the go-to solution for accessing and sharing your files while on-the-go.

Google has sent letters out to various standards organizations, including the IEEE, promising to honor MMI’s patent licensing policies after it completes its planned acquisition of the company. This includes honoring MMI’s maximum go-forward per-unit royalty rate of 2.25%. This is the same rate MMI is asking Apple to pay in order to lift the injunction on the iPhone and iPad 3G passed down in Germany. Apple has rejected this offer and is fighting it, claiming it’s unfair and contrary to the principles of FRAND licensing commitments. No matter the outcome of the Apple/Motorola dispute, Google will be honoring it once they take over.

Google continues to improve its social endeavor Google+. They’re constantly adding features to both the web app as well as their Android app. Yesterday, the Android app not only received a slew of features already present in the web app, but also saw “massive performance improvements.” I’ve never experienced any performance issues with the Google+ app, but if they want to add “massive improvements,” I’ll take ’em. The full list of changes in yesterday’s update includes:

The moment many of you have been waiting for has arrived. Google Chrome is now available for Android. Before you get too excited, it’s in beta and only available for Android 4.0. Since only 1% of Android devices are currently running Ice Cream Sandwich, it’s not likely you’ll be enjoying this just yet. For you elite 1%, read on past the break for the details.

Google is working on a “secret project” that must need some product integrity as they’ve hired Apple senior director of product integrity Simon Prakash. Simon has worked for Apple for over eight years and is responsible for helping Apple remain top among product quality. This seems to be the first time Google has hired such a senior-level person directly from Apple, and this would certainly put the kibosh on any agreement Eric Schmidt and Steve Jobs may have had regarding poaching employees.