Google shows more transparent search results
While the search engine giant isn’t about to give up their ultra secret search algorithms, they are trying to deliver more relevant results and to be more transparent about how they achieve their results. Another new Google feature that does just that.
In a quest to be as open as possible about how they use data to improve user’s search experience Google is letting searchers in on part of the process.
If you ever wondered how your searches are categorized, you’re about to find out. Google will be posting messages in the upper right of user’s search results. Click on the “more details” link to get more information.
You’ll see the messages if your search results have been customized based on one or more types of information - including location, (your computer's IP address or a specified location); recent searches - including following the heels of a recent inquiry; and web history.
Location is a default feature. Using your IP address Google identifies your approximate city location. They use that to customize your search results. If you'd like Google to use a different location, you can sign into or create a Google Account and provide a city or street address. Specific locations are used not only for customising search results, but also to improve user's experience in Google Maps and other Google products.
Recent searches factor into the mix as well. Google takes into account whether a particular query followed on the heels of another query. Because recent search activity provides such valuable context for understanding the meaning behind user searches, Google uses search histories to customize results whenever possible, regardless of whether you're signed in or signed out.
However, in order to customise results and show users the customization details, Google keeps the most recent query on a user’s browser for a limited time. After that, the information is removed from the browser and disappears immediately if once the browser is closed.
Are you signed in and is your web history enabled? If so Google will customize the search results based on past Google searches as well as what web sites the user has visited. Privacy advocates can rest easier as well. Google notes that web history belongs to the user and the user has complete control over it. Users can remove specific items or pause the service at any time. And if there's a particular search that users rather not have personalized based on their Web History, they can also just temporarily sign out of their Google Account.
This new feature doesn't change anything at all about how people search on Google and the results they get; it just gives people more of a behind-the-scenes look at how Google customises their search experience.
