03 October 2007

Yahoo! revamps search tool

Yahoo! has revamped its search engine in order to challenge rival Google and reduce "internet search fatigue", the Times reports.

It has launched a Search Assist tool designed to help users find exactly what they are looking for.

As users type into the query box, the tool automatically offers search terms and phrases in real time. After the search is complete, it offers further search terms to try, as well as new topics to consider.

The tool will also produce more links to videos, music and photos on the main results page and will pull information from Upcoming.org, Yahoo!'s calendar service, to show local events when they are relevant to a search request.

According to Yahoo!, this latest innovation saves time and "by making suggestions as you type, it eliminates one of the hardest parts of searching - coming up with the right query".

Search Assist works by comparing a user entry to searches that all other Yahoo! users have carried out.

Users can click on an arrow below the search box to expand the tool and see all the suggestions available to them. Additionally, they have access to an 'also try' function, situated to the left of the search box, which suggests completed searches that may be relevant to their interests.

General manager of Yahoo! Search Vish Makhijani commented: "The changes we've made are focused on getting people to the best answer - whether it be a web link, photo, video or music clip - in one search."

Currently, Search Assist is only available in English.