Google Search
Google Search removing news ‘snippets’ in France following EU Copyright Directive
New Fi Unlimited plan promoted on Google Search homepage
Last week, Google Fi launched a new Unlimited plan that includes both data and international calling. The new MVNO offering is now being promoted on the Google homepage in the U.S.
Google tweaks Search definitions to elevate synonyms
Last week, we spotted the Google app adding an Android homescreen shortcut to the built-in dictionary tool. The search engine is now tweaking the layout of definition cards by making synonyms more prominent.
Google adds several new easter eggs from ‘Friends’ to celebrate 25th anniversary
The classic show Friends is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year with TV marathons and more celebrating the show’s run. Now, Google is joining in on the fun with half a dozen new easter eggs in search that are sure to be fun for fans of Friends.
Google app gains direct Dictionary homescreen shortcut
Google Search has a number of built-in tools, especially on Android. Defining words is a common task for the engine, and the Android client now has a direct Google Dictionary shortcut.
Google Search can directly link to ‘key moments’ in YouTube videos
As seen with podcasts, Google in recent years has been working to make Search be more than just for text results. Video has long been surfaced in the search engine, but Google will now mark YouTube “key moments” for fast scrubbing and watching.
Google limiting what Search results feature inline star ratings
One type of rich Search result that appears as one of Google’s 10 blue links includes “scores and/or stars.” Star ratings provide a convenient, inline experience in Google Search when looking for products and services, with the company making “algorithmic updates” today.
Google Search will now highlight and elevate original reporting
Google’s latest news initiative has Search “elevating original reporting.” This will see articles that broke a story — instead of reblogs — be prominently featured to people searching and stay visible longer.
After Hours: Googling a vacation home, Facebook Dating, Telegram features, more
IFA 2019 is in full swing today with tons of big announcements, and we also got three major leaks for Google’s Pixel 4. In some of today’s smaller stories, Google is making it easier to get a vacation home, Facebook Dating hits the United States, and more.
Google Search will help you find TV shows and movies with a swipe
If you have trouble picking out a show or movie to relax with, Google has a new way to find something. Starting today, Google Search on mobile is offering personalized “what to watch” TV and movie recommendations that are powered by a simple swipe.
Google Images quietly removes ‘exact size’ and ‘larger than’ search filters
Google Images is one of the most popular ways to find a picture on the web, and lately, it’s undergone some changes. One change to Google Images that was just recently spotted was the removal of a search filter that allowed users to find images of exact sizes.
Google Search adds elaborate ‘Wizard of Oz’ Easter Egg for film’s 80th anniversary
To mark the The Wizard of Oz’s 80th anniversary this Sunday, Google has added a delightful Easter Egg to Search. Similar in format to Avengers: Endgame, this is quite an immersive experience on the web.
[Update: On homepage] Google Stadia ad will appear on your first search today
At the first Stadia Connect livestream, Google unveiled key details about its game streaming service, including pricing and titles. A day later, the company is advertising Stadia across Google Search.
Google Search adds multi-sided die to built-in rolling tool
Google Search has a number of built-in tools that you’d otherwise need to download separate apps for. The “roll dice” utility is getting a significant update that adds multi-sided die, while all the tools are now conveniently listed.
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Google app gains prominent share button when browsing Discover, Search
The Google app has added a useful share shortcut when viewing Discover articles or Search results on Android. Appearing in the top-right corner, it’s elevated from the browser’s otherwise long overflow menu.
[Update: Fixed] Google Search has stopped indexing new pages for many of the web’s largest sites
Have you searched Google today and felt like you weren’t seeing the newest information? You’re not alone. At some point yesterday, Google’s search indexing seems to have stopped processing new pages from many of the internet’s largest websites.
Google․com adds powerful podcast search, also coming to Assistant
At I/O 2019, Google confirmed that it’s indexing podcasts to surface audio alongside text and video Search results. Podcast search is now available on Google.com and coming soon to Google Assistant.
Google Question Hub collects ‘unanswered’ Search queries for publishers, now in beta
Despite the corpus of websites and information that Google Search indexes, “unanswered questions” remain online. Google wants to collect those standing queries and give them to content creators through a new Question Hub tool that’s launching in beta today.
[Update: Rolled out] Google․com replaces ‘magnifying glass’ icon with ‘Search’ button
One recent trend in interface design has been to replace icons with text buttons. Aimed at reducing confusion by being explicit about the nature of an action, Google.com is now using such a “Search” button.
Google Images adds side panel and product details in web revamp
Google Images in recent months has seen a number of updates as visual search becomes more and more important. The latest features announced today include a new side panel UI where pictures open and shopping-related product details for results.
Google opening Android search widget during setup to other search engines in Europe
To comply with the European Commission’s Android antitrust ruling, Google now prompts EEA users to download alternate browsers and search engines. Google in early 2020 will open up Android’s homescreen search widget to other companies during the setup process.
Google Search’s Featured Snippets now show the most up-to-date answers
With Featured Snippets, Google Search immediately highlights the information you’re looking for. The company today detailed a new algorithm update that will make these answers more useful by keeping them fresh and up-to-date.
[Update: Fixed] Google bug causes ‘cut-off’ search results for Android users
Over the past several days, quite a few Android users have been coming across a bug when using the Google search app that sees results not properly showing, with the results “cut off” with white space. This week, Google has confirmed the bug, and it’s working to fix it.
Google app A/B testing tweaked Search bars on Android
Over the past several weeks, Google has been A/B testing tweaks to the search field on its iconic homepage. Those changes are now being tested on Android with the latest Google app beta.
