Google Search
Google highlighting more stores as free product listings come to main Search page
[Update: Fixed] Google explains why Winston Churchill’s Search card currently lacks an image
Several hours ago, users started noticing that the Google Search Knowledge Graph card for Sir Winston Churchill lacks an accompanying image. The company says this disappearance was accidental and will soon be fixed.
Google Search now highlights website content based on search results [Updated]
Following a test last August, Google has recently rolled out a new feature for Google Search. If you search and click on a Featured Snippet, Google will now highlight the content you’re looking for within the article.
Google Australia details the economic value of news in Search amid licensing push
Back in April, Australia set out to force Google (and Facebook) to pay local publishers for content that appears in products like Search and News. An AU$600 million to $1 billion yearly payment has recently been suggested, with Google Australia today offering a rebuttal and explaining how its business works.
Google expresses ‘support of racial equality, and all those who search for it’
This past week has seen widespread protests in cities across the United States. Google today expressed solidarity for this moment in history with a message on the Search homepage. YouTube has a similar display and is encouraging donations.
Google will factor page speed, ‘Core Web Vitals’ when ranking Search results
At the start of May, the Chrome team established metrics for building fast websites. Google today announced plans to incorporate “Core Web Vitals,” like page speed, when ranking how sites appear in Search next year.
Google Search adds clinically validated screening questionnaire for anxiety
Google Search already has clinically validated self-assessments for depression and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). In light of COVID-19, Google Search is adding an anxiety questionnaire.
Google Search testing fully card-based design on desktop web [Gallery]
One of the core aspects of Google’s Material Design, especially as of late, is the usage of “cards,” which help visually separate things in an app or page. Google has now begun testing a new UI for Google Search on the desktop that’s based almost entirely around Material Design cards.
[Update: Rolling out] Google Maps adds ‘Support this business’ section linking to gift cards, donations
Local businesses are struggling amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic due to decreased foot traffic and sales. Many have turned to selling gift cards as a means for customers to offer additional support, with Google soon allowing affected businesses to link to such donation methods on their public listings.
Google Search begins testing dark mode for mobile web, here’s how to try it [Gallery]
Earlier this month, we showed that a dark mode was coming to the Google Search website on Android, by way of Google Chrome. At the time, we weren’t sure of how this dark mode would work or why it would require a flag in chrome://flags. As of today, Google Search has finally begun testing its dark mode for mobile web — here’s how you can start using it.
YouTube for Android tests integrating Google results w/ video search
Google Maps highlighting hotel rooms for COVID-19 responders
Amid the ongoing pandemic, one concern for first responders is that their line of work will inadvertently infect their families with the virus. Some hotels have begun offering free or discounted COVID-19 rooms for these essential workers, and Google Maps is now highlighting these places.
Google tests Lens shortcut in Images search bar on Android
On Android, Google’s visual search tool can primarily be accessed from the homescreen or through Assistant. Google Lens is now testing a shortcut in Image Search.
Google Search adds 3D skeleton and other AR models, video recording on Android
In recent weeks, people have turned to virtual animals in Google Search to experience the outside world indoors. Google today is adding a 3D skeleton and other models, while revamping the AR viewer on Android.
Google Lens lookups now include inline Search results, ‘copy to computer’ text shortcut
Last May, Google announced and rolled out a major redesign of its visual search tool. Google Lens is now adding three productivity-focused features, including Search results from the web and a “Copy to computer” shortcut.
Chrome for Android may bring dark mode to Google Search results
Even before the launch of Android 10, Google has been putting special focus on bringing dark mode to its apps and services, especially on Android. Now Chrome for Android is working to bring dark mode to the Google Search results page in something of an unusual way.
Google waives AMP requirement for appearing in COVID-19 Top Stories carousel
Since the start of this pandemic, Google has reiterated how lookups related to COVID-19 are surpassing Search’s “most common and consistent queries.” Many people are seeking local news and information, with Google making tweaks to the Top Stories AMP requirement.
Google 3D animals: How to record videos and take pictures w/ Android and iPhone
Google’s 3D animals have become a viral trend, but many people have been recording videos and taking pictures with them simply by taking screenshots or screen recordings. What you might not have realized, though, is that this feature has a built-in option for recording and taking pictures. Here’s how it works.
You can now easily record Google 3D animals on Android
Even before stay at home orders, AR objects in Google Search were already a fun way to bring the outside world indoors. A new feature rolling out to Android today lets you easily record Google 3D animals.
Google Search results will proactively warn when ‘there aren’t any great matches’
Last October, Google significantly improved how Search understands queries asked in a natural, everyday manner. However, there are still scenarios when “there just isn’t information available on the web that matches what you typed in,” and Google Search will now proactively warn you when that’s the case.
Google Search error stops new web pages, articles from being indexed
Google Search is one of the most powerful tools on the web for getting new content in the hands of a wide audience, but that relies on a process known as indexing. On April 21, 2020, a Google Search error is causing new web pages and articles from being properly indexed.
Google Search now lists coronavirus testing locations near you
Until a vaccine for COVID-19 is developed, increasing testing capability is a key step towards helping things return to some semblance of normality. Google Search now links to coronavirus testing sites in your vicinity.
Google Search highlighting what time cities clap for coronavirus helpers
Today wraps up two weeks of Google Doodles that pay tribute to essential workers combating the COVID-19 pandemic. Google has an illustration showing all the “thank you coronavirus helpers” together, while that space is also being used to remind users when their cities clap every night.
Google redesigns Search results for coronavirus-related queries on desktop
Amid the coronavirus pandemic, Google has linked to and provided a number of convenient resources. People looking up COVID-19 information on the desktop web are seeing a redesigned Google Search experience with prominent sidebar to organize results.