Google launches 'Universal search'

Google is to combine results from its various search engines, in an attempt to provide more relevant information for users. 

The web giant has altered its home page, and will start integrating content from images, maps, books, video, and news into its search results.

Google has also added contextual navigational links, which will be displayed above the search results. In the example above, a search for 'Steve Jobs' gives links for web, news and video, but this changes based on the search term entered.

According to Google VP of Search Products Marissa Mayer:

"Our focus has always been making our users' search experience as simple and straightforward as possible.

"The ultimate goal of universal search is to break down the silos of information that exist on the web and provide the very best answer every time a user enters a query."

The aim of universal search is for searches to return results for all media related to the search term, not just web pages that feature the phrase. 

In Google's example, a search for 'darth vader' will return links to a variety of sources relevant to the search - images, web pages, and movie clips.

Other innovations are planned, which you can see at Google Labs. One example is the ability to view search results on timelines or a map.

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