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Google Images, New and Improved!
Josh Tauber | April 30th, 2008
We have all done it. Searched the pages of Google Images to find that perfect picture for… your blog. Well it seems like it may get even easier to find that instant gratification… for your blog. Google has done it again. They have come up with a new way to give you the results you want called VisualRank. The scientists over at Google have designed an algorithm that combines image-recognition software with classic Google ranking.
Image search results are currently determined through basic image tagging. This definitely hinders the results as it relies on webmaster’s content and alt-image tags, and we all know people aren’t perfect. So when you search one thing, you may end up with something completely different, especially when you turn filtering off. But you already knew that didn’t you?
As it stands now Google uses employees to rank the images that they store. There is a team of 150 employees who are using the most popular searches to find images and rank them accordingly. The Google staff estimates that 83% of the results are less relevant images.
With the release of this technology, Image search may become as highly prized as the organic results. So not only will Google require better content for higher ranking websites, but better image relevance and quality too. Better upgrade that 2 megapixel cam to a 12 Mp SLR!
A Google Prototype for a Precision Image Search
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Nice pic Josh! You’re totally right, I completely agree…..totally 100%. I’m right there with you.
Precision search is the future for sure, as the technology develops we will need to adapt to embrace all the new changes, for example keywords are now being stripped out of videos ‘automatically’ so that definitely changes the playing field.
a little birdy told me those pics are from josh’s personal archives! personally, i’m impressed with the photoshop work. it’s like google is scanning the images right before my very eyes! who knew josh’s hidden talent was graphic design?
Great post!