Google takes voice search to Chrome: The rise of conversational search
Google is testing a new version of its Chrome browser that incorporates voice search, following on from similar move in its Google Glass and Google Now software.
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Can web search trends predict this year’s Oscars?
With the Oscars approaching, can online buzz forecast this year’s winners of the prestigious film awards? Taking all the factors into account new data from Exponential forecasts that 12 Years a Slave will narrowly beat American Hustle to Best Picture.
Gmail adds simple ‘unsubcribe’ button for marketing emails
Google has integrated an unsubscribe option to Gmail, helping users opt out of marketing messages without having to search for obscure unsubscribe links in emails.
‘Learning’ search engine recommends products to web users
SLI Systems has added a Learning Recommendations tool to its site search system, letting advertisers offer product suggestions based on onsite behavior.
Online ad spend in Australia surpasses $1bn
Online advertising has continued its strong growth in Australia, exceeding AUD$1 billion in the September 2013 quarter while recording 25% growth year-on-year and 4.6% on the preceding quarter, according to a report.
Tumblr to become Yahoo’s native ad server
Yahoo will start to use Tumblr as a native ads server, with the popular blogging platform hosting sponsored content from brands, according to a news report.
Lush mocks Amazon with cosmetics range named after boss
Ethical cosmetics range Lush has used a new shower gel to mock Amazon UK boss Christopher North after winning a High Court battle to stop the online giant selling “misleading” products that were made to look like Lush items.
60% of all web traffic ‘not human’
Nearly two thirds (61.5%) of all web traffic around the world comes from bots- both good and bad- according to new research.
An ode to Valentine’s Day (the online shopping version)
As online shoppers scramble to grab a suitable Valentine’s Day present, Rakuten’s Play.com, has commissioned a romantic poem written by spoken word poet Dan Simpson, Canterbury’s Laureate, whose poetry has featured on London Underground and on BBC Radio.
SEO tips for 2014: Keep content and site layout fresh
As Google implements it’s latest ‘Hummingbird’ algorithm, many site owners have noticed that long held top positions on Google are being lost to new sites. Matt Cutts, head of Google’s webspam team explains why past success on SEO does not guarantee success in this new era of search, and offers advice on retaining that vital … [Read more…]