Google Search is probably the most visited page, and also the most widely-used feature of Google. While many internet users have put Google Search as their browsers' default home page, not many of them know what Search is capable of.
From the obvious, which is doing searches, to the clearly overlooked.
Google wants to be the place where people seek information. From weather, news and internet articles, to translation to current events and more that involve activities on the internet. But some Google Search features are somehow hidden from plain sight.
On March 21st, 2017, Google is changing that, at least by a bit, by introducing Shortcuts in its Search. The feature is available initially for users in the U.S. on Android, iOS and Google.com.
The feature essentially turns Google Search into something that is similar to an app launcher. Shortcut homes a lot of Google's relatively unknown feature. They are divided into categories like entertainment or travel. Some examples:of Google's web tools include:
- Weather.
- Translate.
- Do a barrel roll.
- News.
- TV Shows.
- Tic Tac Toe.
- Animal Sounds.
- Restaurant suggestions.
- Nearby ATMs.
- Solitaire.
- Flip a coin.
- Emails.
- Book a hotel.
- Sunset time.
- Etc..
What Google puts in its Shortcuts aren't at all new. They are just bits of Google that the company has added over the years. but didn't announce boldly to users. With Shortcuts, Google acknowledges of its capabilities as the most prominent search engine, and decided to show off the features
While those features won't be useful for day-to-day Google Search usage, but at least for Google, it knows that its home page has been the main point of interaction since Search was created. Shortcuts is like Google admitting that there are better and more efficient ways to access information on the web.
Using the Shortcuts, users can find information on the go a bit easier and faster. Like for example, they don't need to type in "weather" or scroll down on the results page and seek information on Cards. Information on Google are just a few taps closer.
Another advantage of Shortcuts in making information on Google more discoverable.
Search was simple at first. But as Google matures, it added many things that piled up. And that many features it has, can be difficult to track, especially because Google has kept Search's appearance straightforward.
And as for last, Google is a giant competing with other giants. Facebook for example, it is competing with Google as the world's greatest source of information. While Google Search and Facebook aren't direct competitors, the two are increasingly become similar. People on the web are relying on those two to get information. And here with Shortcuts, Google is trying to get more people's attention, directing them to use Search more often.