We’ve just noticed that Google has introduced a bit of Ajax into its main property
Search, by way of integrating Maps on some searches. This feature has been around since
December 2006, but the blogosphere’s response was surprisingly low. Given it marks
the first time Google has used Ajax in its main property, we think this small addition
means a lot. The animated picture below shows the feature:
This feature hints that Google may be about to use more AJAX technology in their main
property. Google has always tried to keep the Search interface as simple and lightweight
as possible, and so has stayed away from using AJAX in Search. But if AJAX can be
integrated into search, it probably won’t take long for us to see SearchMash innovations – like the infinite scrollbar –
being integrated too. Also note Google’s recent
push for personalization in search results. This all points to Google actively
responding to its hundreds
of search 2.0
competitors.
Another important consequence is that this is yet another step towards the Semantic
Web, as Seth Godin described it as his
dream. These are baby steps towards future web applications that communicate and
understand each other. Remember our previous coverage of the
Gmail – Google Docs integration. And Gmail is well integrated with other products,
like Maps and Calendar also.
However, we should note that this new Ajaxified search feature is not fully deployed
yet – only a small percentage of returned results come with mapped addresses – but it’s a
good start.
