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Aug 24
2011
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Google is always experimenting with new features aimed at improving the search experience. You can check out their new experiments at google labs.
Google Labs is a playground where we can play around with prototypes of some of google's wild and crazy ideas. Please note that Labs is the first phase in a lengthy product development process and none of this stuff is guaranteed to make it onto Google.com. While some of these crazy ideas might grow into the next Gmail or iGoogle, others might turn out to be, well, just plain crazy.
Here i have listed some of the search experiments and their shortcuts. Hope you will get some ideas for getting result easily while searching on google.
Instant on Images
Google Instant is a search enhancement that shows results as you type. This experiment enables Instant on the Google Images search results page.
- Faster Searches: By predicting your search and showing results before you finish typing, Google Instant can save 2-5 seconds per search.
- Smarter Predictions: Even when you don't know exactly what you're looking for, predictions help guide your search. The top prediction is shown in grey text directly in the search box, so you can stop typing as soon as you see what you need.
- Instant Image Results: Until now, you had to type a full search term, hit return, and wait for the right results. Now, images appear instantly as you type, helping you see where you're headed, every step of the way.
| Try it here or join the experiment by clicking the "Join this experiment" button above. |
Note that Search by Image will not work if you opt into this experiment. Also, Instant on Images is available only if you already have Instant on Web. Finally, this experiment is enabled only for the Images search result page, not on the Google Images home page.
Keyboard shortcuts
Navigate search results quickly and easily, minimizing use of your mouse. Current keyboard shortcuts include:
| Key | Action |
| J | Selects the next result. |
| K | Selects the previous result. |
| O | Opens the selected result. |
| <Enter> | Opens the selected result. |
| / | Puts the cursor in the search box. |
| <Esc> | Removes the cursor from the search box. |
| Try out this query: rattlesnake |
Accessible View
Navigate search results quickly and easily, with just your keyboard. As you navigate, items are magnified for easier viewing. If you use a screen reader or talking browser, the relevant information is spoken automatically as you navigate.
Current keyboard shortcuts include:
| Key | Action |
| j or DOWN | Selects the next item. |
| k or UP | Selects the previous item. |
| l or RIGHT | Moves to the next category (results, sponsored links, refinements). |
| h or LEFT | Moves to the previous category (results, sponsored links, refinements). |
| <Enter> | Opens the selected result. |
| / | Puts the cursor in the search box. |
| n | Moves to the next result, and fetches more results if necessary. |
| p | Moves to the previous result, reloading earlier results if necessary. |
| = | Magnifies current item |
| - | Shrinks current item |
| A | Switches to Accessible Search Results |
| W | Switches to regular Web Search Results |
For now, you need to use the Firefox 3 web browser with this experiment. This note will be updated as other browsers are added. Magnification already works with Google Chrome and Apple's Safari.
| Try out this query: enhancing web 2.0 accessibility |

Google's experimental search





