Reaction: Google Launches Real-Time Search
Posted December 7th, 2009 by Jason DouglasA big announcement happened today from Google, officially launching real-time search, integrated into search results pages (SERP’s).
The real-time updates will include live tweets, Yahoo Answers, news articles, and web pages will now stream in actual result pages for your query. Don’t worry iPhone and Android users, this feature is built for mobile use (thank goodness).
Included in today’s announcement: Google has partnered with both Facebook and MySpace for their real-time data pull. This will include any public pages within the networks.
Here is the official video demonstrating the real-time search:
Why is this significant? This should simplify search for many users. The goal with this is to consolidate as much information into one central hub known as Google. I cannot wait to try this out and use this first hand. The live stream reminds me of the Twitter Search function, which is very helpful in monitoring real-time conversation about a product, show, or public figure. I am also impressed with the partnership established with Facebook and MySpace.
I am curious as to the potential fallout from this. Once Facebook and MySpace users find out that anything on their profile is fair game, will this prompt people to privatize their profiles? Or will users be more careful of what they say and publish? This may help the social media world grow up and think before they speak.
As we look into the benefits and negatives of this further, there are a couple questions I need to get answered:
- How will this impact how people use search engines?
- How does this impact the importance of search engine optimization?
- Will this detract from people looking at sponsored search ads?
- How can we use real-time search to benefit clients?
- What new data will we have access to?
What questions do you have about this feature that should be live within the next week?
One Response to “Reaction: Google Launches Real-Time Search”
December 7th, 2009 at 8:39 pm
Haven’t seen the real-time results on my end, but wanted to give my two cents.
I don’t think this will impact how the average person uses search engines. Hopefully it will make their experience better without them knowing.
For SEO, I can see it as a great example for consultants who educates their clients on proper Social Media. For turnkey SEOs, good luck.
I don’t see users detracting from sponsored ads. I’m admittedly biased.
To benefit clients, maybe it could be a good reason to educate them on how to use social media, in the right way.
New data? Outside of measuring analytics, I can’t think of anything in particular. I’m sure we’ll all know more soon.
Great post, Jason!
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