Google is running a field trial for the inclusion of content from users' Gmail in general Google search results.
The trial is opt-in and available to English-language users with existing Gmail addresses. Those participating in the trial will see a sidebar with relevant information pulled from their personal e-mail account on the results page of searches.
According to senior VP of Google Search, Amit Singhal, the trial is another step towards making search more intelligent.
“Sometimes the best answer to your question isn't available on the public Web - it may be contained somewhere else, such as in your e-mail. We think you shouldn't have to be your own mini-search engine to find the most useful information - it should just work.”
Speaking of the field-trial, Singhal says: “A search is a search, and we want our results to be truly universal. So we're developing a way to find this information for you that's useful and unobtrusive, and we'd love your feedback.”
According to Singhal, results pulled from a user's e-mail will appear in a sidebar to the right of the search results, and if something looks relevant, the user can click on it to expand the box and read the e-mails.
“We're working on some even more useful features. For example, if you search for [my flights] we will organise flight confirmation e-mails for any upcoming trips in a beautifully easy-to-read way, right on the search results page.”
Talking back
Another feature Google is currently working on to improve search includes the combining of 'Knowledge Graph' and 'Voice Search'.
Knowledge Graph was launched by Google in the US in May, with its database of 500 million people, places and things, in order to serve up more relevant and intuitive results that more accurately reflect the user's intent. This feature is now available in all English-speaking countries.
“Often the most natural way to ask a question is by asking aloud. So we've combined our speech recognition expertise, understanding of language and the Knowledge Graph so that Voice Search can better interpret your questions and sometimes speak the answers back as full sentences,” explains Singhal.
This feature is available on Android, and will soon be available on iOS. The update marks a step by Google to bring its voice recognition technology on par with the likes of Apple's Siri, with a better understanding of natural language.
Singhal says: “You just need to tap the microphone icon and ask your question, the same way you'd ask a friend. For example, ask 'what movies are playing this weekend?' and you'll see your words streamed back to you quickly as you speak.
“Then Google will show you a list of the latest movies in theatres near you, with schedules and even trailers. It works for everything from celebrity factoids to the height of Kilamanjaro and more. When Google can supply a direct answer to your question, you'll get a spoken response too.”
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