Google revamps image search

 

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By Barry Collins

Posted on 21 Apr 2009 at 08:13

Google is hoping to take the ambiguity out of picture searches with a new "similar image" feature.

The new feature comes into its own when searching for words with multiple meanings: "diesel", for example, could refer to the American actor Vin Diesel, the clothing brand or the fuel.

Users can now quickly narrow down the search by clicking on the "similar images" link beneath the relevant picture. Google then automatically filters the results to display photos that share similar characteristics (shape, colour) to the selected image.

Similar Images - which is currently being trialled in the revamped Google Labs - also has more esoteric uses. Search for "coat", for example, and click on a jacket that you like the look of, and you'll be presented with photos of similar coats from various shopping sites.

The new feature will help Google claw back some ground on Microsoft's Live Search, which already offers the Similar Images feature, as well other advanced filters, such as being able to narrow down searches to people's faces.

News timelines

Google has also introduced another Labs feature called News Timeline. This plots news stories and photos on a zoomable, graphical timeline, allowing you to see how a story has developed over the months and years.

The service also allows you to search for quotes from particular people, video clips and selected magazine and news covers.

The Timeline extends beyond news: search for U2 and select music from the drop-down menu, for example, and you're presented with a visual discography of all the band's albums. Likewise for book authors and TV shows.