Now Google wants to take over your life

In five years the internet search engine Google could help you manage your daily life.

The company's chief executive, Eric Schmidt, believes the engine could hold a range of personal information about users, allowing it to suggest what they can do with their days off and new hobbies. Mr Schmidt said: "We are very early in the total information we have within Google.

"We will get better at personalisation. The goal is to enable Google users to be able to ask questions such as 'What shall I do tomorrow?' and 'What job shall I take?'"

Google's newly relaunched iGoogle, allowing users to personalise their Google site, coupled with another service which gives the site permission to store web-surfing history, will play a vital role in the evolution of the technology.

The race to have the most comprehensive database of personal information is the new battleground for search engine companies as they fight to remain on top of the market as the technology evolves.