Watch CBS News

Tech Report: Google Plans Search Engine Revamp

SAN FRANCISCO (KCBS) — Google is planning a revamp of its popular search engine.

KCBS Technology Analyst Larry Magid commented on the rumors that Google is going to do more of a semantic approach meaning trying to better determine what it is the searcher is looking for.

For example if you were to type in the word, jaguar, Google wouldn't know if you were referring to a car or a cat.

But Magid said more importantly, rather than just giving you a list of links that when you click on them, it takes you off of Google's website; they will now try to provide more facts and direct answers.

KCBS Tech Report:

"They're trying to make their searches more relevant and there are a lot of reasons for this, including keeping people on Google longer," he said.

KCBS anchor Jeff Bell weighed in saying all it's going to take is a better algorithm to completely change the landscape of search.

Magid said unlike Facebook, where people have an investment and all their friends are on it, that when it comes to search you can switch instantly.

"I certainly use Bing now and then and like [it]. In fact I think this is going to make it more like Bing," since Microsoft's search engine has some of these features Magid said.

Bing isn't penetrating the market share that Google has, they do have reason to worry, being only one good competitor away from being challenged.

Siri, Apple's voice activated search engine, poses a serious threat that Google needs to address as well.

(Copyright 2012 by CBS San Francisco. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.