Google is testing a new image search for desktop that looks more like a copy of Pinterest’s grid. Clicking on images also gives you a lot more information than before.
Pinterest is the latest social platform to fall victim to copycat behaviour. Only this time, it’s not by Facebook or one of its apps. Google has confirmed that it is running a new Google Images test on desktop that aligns pictures vertically, thus making it look very much like Pinterest‘s layout. But that’s not all. Images now also have short captions – and even badges that determine what’s in each image – i.e. a product or a video.
Image credit: TechCrunch
So, clicking on an image gives you a lot more dynamic information than before. If the image is of a product, and the site uses Google Shopping, the new layout will allow you to see whether the product is in stock and be able to order it directly. Also, image results now also show two lists of related images below.
How annoying. I typed in a @Google image search and was immediately transported to Pinterest. #copycat pic.twitter.com/cmcmYeYk5B
— Pen&Vernier (@PenAndVernier) June 21, 2018
This is not the first time Google has “copied” Pinterest in some way. Dynamic information in image search was actually added on its mobile app last year, and Google’s Android app was upgraded with AI to suggest similar items within images. While Google has confirmed the image search test, it didn’t give any further information about it.
“We’re constantly experimenting to improve our experience with Google Images and don’t have anything further to announce at this time,” a spokesperson explained.
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