Google's Next-Generation Search? (PHOTOS/VIDEO)

TechCrunch is reporting that Google is working on a next-generation search. The search, which is apparently still in the experimentation phase, includes Digg-like features such as the ability to vote results up and down and post user comments.

TechCrunch first posted an item about it Monday:

Google has experimented with search features that let users vote on search results, and/or recommend other results than those given, since late 2007. They generally bucket test these features (meaning some small percentage of users, randomly chosen, see them), and if testing goes ok, they move them into the optional experimental area where any user can add them.

One of our readers, Adrian Pike, may be included in a new bucket test that includes a variation of last year's experiment. The screen shots he's sent show an up arrow and an X. Clicking on the up arrow turns it green and adds to the total vote count at the end of the search result. The main difference between this and last year is that it looks like users can change their vote. If anyone else sees this, please let us know.

On Wednesday TechCrunch updated the story when another user noticed that comments had been added to the search:

Today Adrian Pike, the CTO of startup Tatango, noticed that the interface changed yet again and now includes user comments. Like Digg, each comment has an up or down vote feature as well, and Google is using thumbs up and down icons that are exactly the same as those on Digg. The comments show the username of the person leaving it, and clicking on it shows their Google account profile.

Also, Google shows the total number of votes both up and down on each result. If you hit the X down vote button, the result is immediately pulled off the screen.

TechCrunch posted screenshots of the new search:

And Thursday, they added a video:

Comments

[tililek]

I'd rather they included a thesaurus so terms I may not have chosen for a topic but might be productive could be suggested.