Google's new search feature will allow businesses and celebrities to self-promote. (Photo : YouTube/Google)
Google begins testing a new feature which would allow celebrities and businesses to self-promote their wares.
When typing the search term "Andrews Jewelers in Buffalo" into Google, searchers will be greeted not just with the information about the New York-based jewelers (such as its opening hours and some reviews of its services), but they will also see new "swipeable'" cards. These cards, which can be clicked on to expand the information (they also come with a button to share the information via email or social media) detail going on with the company, including the launch of new jewelry lines and Andrews Jewelers' 3D-printing jewelry service, amongst other things.
In addition to small businesses being able to make use of this feature, it seems that it is already available (in some fashion, at least) to presidential candidates, reports search expert Mike Blumenthal. Called Google Posts, this other feature describes itself as "an experimental new podium on Google" that allows searchers to "hear directly from the US presidential candidates in real time". This includes posting responses regarding debates and it also includes more swipeable cards (such as those seen with Andrews Jewelers) which detail where the candidate stands on issues such as gun control and immigration.
Despite the clear similarity to Google Posts, however, Google does not yet have a name for the feature, The Verge reported. In a statement to the publication, the search giant explains that "the search results initiative is not called Google Posts, and does not have a name."
It has also been suggested by some critics that this is Google's way of improving its search results in the mobile age. The company already offers a 'mobile-friendly' label to sites with mobile-ready pages (making it easier for mobile users to sift through results) and the style of this new search initiative is very much in the style of Google's existing mobile cards.
It's currently unclear when the tests will be completed and the feature will be rolled out in full (with an official name) but given that the Google Posts landing page says that Google will "make it available to other prominent figures and organizations" and encourages them to join a waiting list, that launch does not look too far off.
Watch a recap of Google's year in search below:
