Google introduces Universal Search
Google is changing the way it displays search results to integrate all its specialist search services.
Specialist searches, such as News, Local, Images or Video are sometimes displayed with general search results, but only one search is shown and features at the top in what Google terms the OneBox.
These specialist searches will now be included along with regular results for a more comprehensive overview – called universal search.
“Our focus has always been making our users’ search experience as simple and straightforward as possible,” said Marissa Mayer, vice president of search products and user experience at Google. “The ultimate goal of universal search is to break down the silos of information that exist on the web and provide the very best answer every time a user enters a query. While we still have a long way to go, today’s announcements are a big step in that direction.”
According to Google, a search for Darth Vader will now show a single set of blended search results that include a humorous parody of the movie, images of the Darth Vader character, news reports on the latest Lucas film, as well as websites focused on the actor James Earl Jones – all ranked in order of relevance to the query.
Google will begin rolling out universal search from today.
