Google testing new search interface?

March 28th, 2006

I found this over on arstechnica.com - It appears that Google are working on a possible new search interface. You can try it out by visiting www.google.com, and then copying and pasting the line below into the address bar.

javascript:alert(document.cookie=”PREF=ID=fb7740f107311e46:TM=1142683332:
LM=1142683332:S=fNSw6ljXTzvL3dWu;path=/;domain=.google.com”)

Note: the string must be a continuous, single-line entry (you’ll need to take the carriage return out before LM). Additionally, the portion “domain=.google.com” should be modified to whatever Google search server you are using (e.g., google.co.uk; we have verified that this works with the UK and US servers… it may work with others)

Hit return, and ignore the message that pops up. Then try searching for something and see the new interface!

What does this mean for us though? Well with this slight redesign, Google appear to be trying to draw attention more to their niche search options, and by putting them on the left, allow space to add more options to the list in the future. It also allows the search listings to start further up the page, which can only be good for sponsored listings which now appear to be more prominant.

Whever this new interface will ever see the light of day? Only Google knows that I guess. This isn’t a revolutionary change, but I quite like it.