Top Search Engines...Latest News!

It's hard to keep up with all of the changes that are constantly going on with the internet, but Sage Island Inc. shared some updates about the top search engines that I thought I would pass on.

Representatives from the top search engines attended PubCon this month, where they unveiled an exciting list of new features, products and updates. Here's a rundown of some of the most interesting updates:

Google
- Google launched Google Flu Trends, which tracks the number of flu-related searches being performed in order to accurately predict the spread of influenza. This is just one of many uses for Google Trends.

- Gmail now offers voice and video chat.

- For iPhone users, Google announced a new application for hands-free voice search.

- Google Ad Planner is now available to all Google account holders with a number of new features.

- Google also announced the publication of their Search Engine Optimization Starter Guide with tips and tricks for basic SEO, as well as an upgrade to their Site Search tool, which allows custom search within a specific site.

Yahoo
- Yahoo discontinued its site search tool, Yahoo Search Builder.

- Yahoo also announced upgrades to its open developer platform, SearchMonkey, including a gallery of new applications that are being tested. Local search applications Citysearch and Zagat are now available for developers.

- Yahoo’s search suggestion tool, Search Assist, is now available on for use with Firefox, Internet Explorer, and mobile devices.

Microsoft Live Search
- Microsoft Live Search announced a new API as part of what they’re calling Project Silk Road. These new tools and services will allow publishers and Web developers to “generate traffic, increase engagement … drive insight, and boost productivity and agility” on their sites.

- Live Search Video’s browsing capabilities were updated to include filtering by category, popularity, duration, aspect ratio, resolution, and more.

- Microsoft also announced a deal with Sun Microsystems that will expand the reach oxf Live Search through distribution of the MSN Toolbar with Sun’s Java Runtime Environment.