Google Launches New Search Tools

Google has introduced new tools that aim to make users search results more focused and organized.


One of the new features is called “Search Options” which are a collection of tools that allow users to control search results and generate different views to find the information they need faster.


When doing a search on the Google homepage, a link under the search box says, “show options.” Clicking the link will bring up a menu to view results for video, forums, and reviews. Users can search by “recent results,” “anytime,” “the past week,” and “past year.”


Another search option that Google introduced called Wonder Wheel displays a visual concept map with related topics. A search for “dogs” brings up the Wonder Wheel with a number of different spokes leading to related topics with links. The topics included “dogs health,” “dog games,” “dog names,” and “dog breeds.”


Users can still see the standard search results when viewing the Wonder Wheel.


A tool called Google Squared, available in Google Labs next month, will automatically find information on the Internet to create spreadsheets a user is searching for.


Google also launched Google Sky Map for Android. Google Sky Map turns an Android-powered phone into a window on the night sky. By pointing the phone up towards the sky a map appears of the brightest stars, constellations and planets in that part of the sky. Sky Map can help users to identify specific stars.