Yesterday, Google announced two changes to its search results page that it hopes will help people find what they're looking for without being overwhelmed by too much information. The changes are subtle and consist of extended snippets below the results as well as a handful of links at the bottom of the results page that suggest related searches.
The first change, which extends the description of the result below the blue-colored link, applies only if a person has typed in a long query. Usually when a person searches for keywords using Google, a two-line snippet, with bold keywords, shows up under the result link. The idea is that the snippet puts keywords in context, indicating whether or not the link is a good choice for the user. And the more of a snippet that's provided, the better choice a person can make.
The second change--the added links at the bottom of the page--reveal some of the common search terms associated with the keywords you used. For instance, a search for "vitamin d" results in eight related searches including "vitamin d deficiency" and "calcium."
This isn't the first time Google has changed its interface. Over the years, features like easy, single-click search for images or news items containing keywords, and the ability to promote a search result higher, have crept in to the results page. But since its inception in 1998, Google's search interface has remained relatively static, sticking with a simple formula that's proven successful.
But bigger changes could be afoot. Last year, the company offered an "alternate views" experiment on the Google Labs page that essentially adds three search filters to a participants results page: "Info view," "Timeline view," and "Map View." While it's unclear that any of these features will stick, it indicates that Google engineers are testing dramatically different ways to serve up search results.
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Monday, March 16, 2009
Motorola Android Smartphone
In October last year, Motorola confirmed it was working on an Android based smartphone.
Is this what it could look like? Note the 5 megapixel Kodak Branded camera and zenon flash at the back and TV in/out cables.
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Microsoft to develop its first patented Smartphone Dock
The Microsoft Corporation is going to develop its first patented smartphone dock that will feature USB ports, a connection for an external display and an Ethernet jack. This device is targeted towards the emerging smartphone markets. Many consumers today are addicted to their smartphone and totally depend on it for their work, entertainment and other day to day tasks. As a result Microsoft has decided to make a universal smart interface for smartphones. It will not only charge the advanced mobile phones but will also provide options to interface the phone to external systems such as larger external displays, networks, printers, input devices and other peripherals.
According to the Microsoft’s patent, “The cost of cellphones is significantly less than computing systems at many levels. However, the cellphone is rapidly evolving into a smart communications device that can provide sufficient computing power and functionality to drive a wide variety of peripherals as well as access network services. A major impediment to taking advantage of this evolving technology in the cell phone, for example, is the inability to connect the phone to peripheral devices and systems.”
The multi-purpose smartphone dock will also feature a lightweight operating system, processor, memory and solid state drive (SSD) to support all the external devices. No word yet on whether the dock will only function with Windows Mobile smartphones, like the Sony-Ericsson Xperia X1, or whether it will work with every kind smartphone. The dock will also bolster the processing power of the phone if the phone’s own processor and memory are not sufficient to carry on some tasks.
According to the Microsoft’s patent, “The cost of cellphones is significantly less than computing systems at many levels. However, the cellphone is rapidly evolving into a smart communications device that can provide sufficient computing power and functionality to drive a wide variety of peripherals as well as access network services. A major impediment to taking advantage of this evolving technology in the cell phone, for example, is the inability to connect the phone to peripheral devices and systems.”
The multi-purpose smartphone dock will also feature a lightweight operating system, processor, memory and solid state drive (SSD) to support all the external devices. No word yet on whether the dock will only function with Windows Mobile smartphones, like the Sony-Ericsson Xperia X1, or whether it will work with every kind smartphone. The dock will also bolster the processing power of the phone if the phone’s own processor and memory are not sufficient to carry on some tasks.
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Sony Ericsson Xperia X1
More and more manufacturers are specifying high-resolution screens in their top-end smartphones. The much-anticipated Xperia X1 is one of four in this Labs to do it, matching the HTC Touch HD for sheer resolution at 480 x 800.
But we’re not as impressed with the X1 because the screen, at just 3in from corner to corner, isn’t big enough to take advantage.
At this size, a high resolution can be more of a disadvantage than a boon, especially as it’s Windows Mobile 6.1 Professional that underlies this phone’s fancy-looking finger-driven interface.
And that interface isn’t much help. We liked the fact you can choose between different types of home screen layouts and download new ones for free, but once you go beyond basic program selection, contacts and media management, you’re stuck with Windows Mobile.
To make matters worse, the touch-sensitive five-way control below the screen doesn’t make it any easier than the touchscreen to navigate around. And those user interface enhancements aren’t particularly snappy, either.
Taps to the panels often result in a second or two delay, which is frustrating, although pressing the pick-up call button does at least bring up the dial screen instantly.
It’s a shame, since there’s plenty to like elsewhere. The build is solid with a metal back and brushed aluminium-effect keyboard surround.
And the keyboard itself is pretty good: the keys are well separated, have a good click to them, and the layout is sensible.
The list of hardware on offer is as impressive as most of the other high-end phones here, with HSDPA, assisted GPS, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and an FM radio tuner.
There’s a good-quality wired headset thrown in – the best here – as well as a 3.5mm headphone socket, and battery life is respectable at 70hrs 42 mins.
But the usability issue just won’t go away and, coupled with a high price, is enough to push this phone well down the list of contenders this month.
But we’re not as impressed with the X1 because the screen, at just 3in from corner to corner, isn’t big enough to take advantage.
At this size, a high resolution can be more of a disadvantage than a boon, especially as it’s Windows Mobile 6.1 Professional that underlies this phone’s fancy-looking finger-driven interface.
And that interface isn’t much help. We liked the fact you can choose between different types of home screen layouts and download new ones for free, but once you go beyond basic program selection, contacts and media management, you’re stuck with Windows Mobile.
To make matters worse, the touch-sensitive five-way control below the screen doesn’t make it any easier than the touchscreen to navigate around. And those user interface enhancements aren’t particularly snappy, either.
Taps to the panels often result in a second or two delay, which is frustrating, although pressing the pick-up call button does at least bring up the dial screen instantly.
It’s a shame, since there’s plenty to like elsewhere. The build is solid with a metal back and brushed aluminium-effect keyboard surround.
And the keyboard itself is pretty good: the keys are well separated, have a good click to them, and the layout is sensible.
The list of hardware on offer is as impressive as most of the other high-end phones here, with HSDPA, assisted GPS, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and an FM radio tuner.
There’s a good-quality wired headset thrown in – the best here – as well as a 3.5mm headphone socket, and battery life is respectable at 70hrs 42 mins.
But the usability issue just won’t go away and, coupled with a high price, is enough to push this phone well down the list of contenders this month.
Sunday, February 1, 2009
Google "Error"
Last night when I was surfing the web and in the middle of doing some research, I noticed that all Google results had "warning, this site my harm your computer" on it. Like most of you, I pannicked! I tried a different browser, ran my anti-virus software, and spamware, Then noticed a twitter alert saying it was all world wide. Phew!
http://googleblog.blogspot.com/2009/01/this-site-may-harm-your-computer-on.html
http://googleblog.blogspot.com/2009/01/this-site-may-harm-your-computer-on.html
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Interesting sites
Engadget: Fantastic resource filled with usefull and weird and wonderul gadgets
Cnet: More serious tech news, this is the australian version.
Dynamism: This is your one stop shop for gadgets sourced from Japan and Korea that are either difficult to get hold of such as UMPC's, also produces a gadget and lifestyle superstore called Gizmine.
iProfit eBook Package: For anyone wanting to make some money, its a package of software and ebooks on website promotion, all with resale rights to sell either individually or as a whole.
ViralNetworks: 17 months in the making, ViralNetworks makes it easier and faster then ever before for you to reach your income goals in your online business. ViralNetworks is a Unique Social Networking site that rewards you just for taking action. You are rewarded with credits for actions such as posting on the forum, or uploading a video.
http://viralnetworks.com/a/15023
EZWealth Solutions: The hottest thing ever on the internet and it works! Ive seen this for a while but had never had a look at the video. As soon as I did, however, I jumped in and have not regretted it at all.
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
New Site Makes Online Business Fun!
I have just been introduced to a site that I have been hoping someone would make. A Web 2.0 site designed for Internet Marketers, this site really does have everything needed to build the perfect platform for online success.
---------------------------
Read Enough? Visit:
http://viralnetworks.com/a/15023
---------------------------
The features are awesome, not only can you network with other contacts in the same industry, which is VITAL for success, we can also build a Hyper Viral messageboard list through the addition of an awesome list builder.
The site allows you to build a downline down 5 levels and contact them via messageboard, as well as this, they also reward you with 10% of the credits earned from everyone in your downline!
Credits are used to determine how much you get in the revenue sharing pool which means, just from being an active user, ViralNetworks share their revenue with you! How good is that!
---------------------------
Read Enough? Visit:
http://viralnetworks.com/a/15023
---------------------------
The site has taken around 18 months to build from the ground up and these guys are serious about making it so much easier for you to succeed! There is no space in this email for more, but rush over to the site now:
http://viralnetworks.com/a/15023
Warm Regards,
Adam Meyer
---------------------------
Read Enough? Visit:
http://viralnetworks.com/a/15023
---------------------------
The features are awesome, not only can you network with other contacts in the same industry, which is VITAL for success, we can also build a Hyper Viral messageboard list through the addition of an awesome list builder.
The site allows you to build a downline down 5 levels and contact them via messageboard, as well as this, they also reward you with 10% of the credits earned from everyone in your downline!
Credits are used to determine how much you get in the revenue sharing pool which means, just from being an active user, ViralNetworks share their revenue with you! How good is that!
---------------------------
Read Enough? Visit:
http://viralnetworks.com/a/15023
---------------------------
The site has taken around 18 months to build from the ground up and these guys are serious about making it so much easier for you to succeed! There is no space in this email for more, but rush over to the site now:
http://viralnetworks.com/a/15023
Warm Regards,
Adam Meyer
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