Word on the Google Blog that they’ve improved the underlying algorithm used with their wildcard (*) search operator.
This includes allowing softer pattern matching, if necessary, and promoting results in which the blank filler is relatively more frequent in the context of the query.
I’ve been writing about the wildcard matching feature from Google since 2002. Earlier this year, Greg posted about problems with this feature. Hopefully, todays’s upgrade will not only fix the problem but make the service even more useful. We’re still hoping that Google and other engines bring back a proximity operator that AltaVista once offered. Exalead is the only web engine that I know of that currently provides this feature that if used correctly can help provide more precise results.
As voice becomes dominant in search, and users turn to social media, apps and news aggregators for their content – and not to mention the rise in virtual reality – Kevin Gibbons asks whether we will still need websites in future.
Google has dominated search, but Microsoft has a real opportunity to influence searcher behavior and Bing adoption through the integration of Bing search through its vast network of assets. Here's what it would take for Bing to surpass Google.
To celebrate its 15th birthday, Google decided to share a neat Easter egg showing how Google used to look in 1998. To see it for yourself, simply search for "google in 1998" (without the quotes). Sadly, you can't do an actual search on 1998 Google.
