Last week Google was trending as they celebrated their 15th birthday with some fun features. Try typing in "Google in 1998" and watch the search take you back to 1998 - I particularly enjoyed this feature as it reminded me of the Wayback Machine
During their celebrations they also found the time to announce the biggest update to their search algorithm in 12 years, code named - Hummingbird. Search Engine Land were one of the first to post on this major update. Hummingbird aims to improve on semantic search, looking deeper into the true intent behind searches - you should now have more success with conversational styled searches. If you’re wondering about Panda and Penguin, they will still be around, integrated into the new algorithm.
We posted on secure search last week. An unpredicted consequence was that once the changes were made, keyword data stopped updating in Google Webmaster Tools - but, Google said, this was just a small bug. A spokesperson told Search Engine Watch "We've recently fixed a small bug related to data reporting in Webmaster Tools. We expect reporting to return to normal in the coming days” Thanks Google!
Everyone's heard of the famous TED talks, but this week Andy (if you read last week's post you'll know who I mean) introduced me to the inspirational Do Lectures. It’s a website that provides talks from people that are changing the world. The cool thing is - you can pick from categories, for example, click on ‘big ideas’ and you’ll find yourself watching a video on ‘how to raise money for your idea’ by Matthew Judkins, Co Founder of Made in Mind (known for turning their award-winning 'folding plug' design into reality.)
My app of the week goes out to 1Password. A new favorite, as it eliminates the frustration of forgetting passwords. It’s a godsend for me - the nifty app remembers passwords, keeps them secured by a Master Password and is available on Mac, Windows, iPhone, iPad and Android - you’re welcome!
