Technology
25 Biggest Moments in Search, From Helpful Images to AI
Here’s how we’ve made Search more helpful over 25 years — and had a little fun along the way, too.
When Google first launched 25 years ago, it was far from the first search engine. But quickly, Google Search became known for our ability to help connect people to the exact information they were looking for, faster than they ever thought possible.
Over the years, we’ve continued to innovate and make Google Search better every day. From creating entirely new ways to search, to helping millions of businesses connect with customers through search listings and ads (starting with a local lobster business advertising via AdWords in 2001), to having some fun with Doodles and easter eggs — it’s been quite a journey.
For our 25th birthday, we’re looking back at some of the milestones that made Google more helpful in the moments that matter, and played a big role in where Google is today. Learn more about our history in our Search Through Time site.
2001: Google Images
When Jennifer Lopez attended the 2000 Grammy Awards, her daring Versace dress became an instant fashion legend — and the most popular query on Google at the time. Back then, search results were just a list of blue links, so people couldn’t easily find the picture they were looking for. This inspired us to create Google Images.
2001: “Did you mean?”
“Did you mean,” with suggested spelling corrections, was one of our first applications of machine learning. Previously, if your search had a misspelling (like “floorescent”), we’d help you find other pages that had the same misspelling, which aren’t usually the best pages on the topic. Over the years we’ve developed new AI-powered techniques to ensure that even if your finger slips on the keyboard, you can find what you need.
2002: Google News
During the tragic events of September 11, 2001, people struggled to find timely information in Search. To meet the need for real-time news, we launched Google News the following year with links to a diverse set of sources for any given story.
2003: Easter eggs
Googlers have developed many clever Easter eggs hidden in Search over the years. In 2003, one of our first Easter eggs gave the answer to life, the universe and everything, and since then millions of people have turned their pages askew, done a barrel roll, enjoyed a funny recursive loop and celebrated moments in pop culture.
One of our earliest Easter eggs is still available on Search.
2004: Autocomplete
Wouldn’t it be nice to type as quickly as you think? Cue Autocomplete: a feature first launched as “Google Suggest” that automatically predicts queries in the search bar as you start typing. Today, on average, Autocomplete reduces typing by 25% and saves an estimated over 200 years of typing time per day.
2004: Local information
People used to rely on traditional phone books for business information. The web paved the way for local discovery, like “pizza in Chicago” or “haircut 75001.” In 2004, Google Local added relevant information to business listings like maps, directions and reviews. In 2011, we added click to call on mobile, making it easy to get in touch with businesses while you’re on the go. On average, local results in Search drive more than 6.5 billion connections for businesses every month, including phone calls, directions, ordering food and making reservations.
2006: Google Translate
Google researchers started developing machine translation technology in 2002 to tackle language barriers online. Four years later, we launched Google Translate with text translations between Arabic and English. Today, Google Translate supports more than 100 languages, with 24 added last year.
2006: Google Trends
Google Trends was built to help us understand trends on Search with aggregated data (and create our annual Year in Search). Today, Google Trends is the world’s largest free dataset of its kind, enabling journalists, researchers, scholars and brands to learn how searches change over time.
2007: Universal Search
Helpful search results should include relevant information across formats, like links, images, videos, and local results. So we redesigned our systems to search all of the content types at once, decide when and where results should blend in, and deliver results in a clear and intuitive way. The result, Universal Search, was our most radical change to Search at the time.
2008: Google Mobile App
With the arrival of Apple’s App Store, we launched our first Google Mobile App on iPhone. Features like Autocomplete and “My Location” made search easier with fewer key presses, and were especially helpful on smaller screens. Today, there’s so much you can do with the Google app — available on both Android and iOS — from getting help with your math homework with Lens to accessing visual translation tools in just a tap.
2008: Voice Search
In 2008, we introduced the ability to search by voice on the Google Mobile App, expanding to desktop in 2011. With Voice Search, people can search by voice with the touch of a button. Today, search by voice is particularly popular in India, where the percentage of Indians doing daily voice queries is nearly twice the global average.
2009: Emergency Hotlines
Following a suggestion from a mother who had a hard time finding poison control information after her daughter swallowed something potentially dangerous, we created a box for the poison control hotline at the top of the search results page. Since this launch, we’ve elevated emergency hotlines for critical moments in need like suicide prevention.
2011: Search by Image
Sometimes, what you’re searching for can be hard to describe with words. So we launched Search by Image so you can upload any picture or image URL, find out what it is and where else that image is on the web. This update paved the way for Lens later on.
2012: Knowledge Graph
We introduced the Knowledge Graph, a vast collection of people, places and things in the world and how they’re related to one another, to make it easier to get quick answers. Knowledge Panels, the first feature powered by the Knowledge Graph, give you a quick snapshot of information about topics like celebrities, cities and sports teams.
2015: Popular Times: We launched the Popular Times feature in Search and Maps to help people see the busiest times of the day when they search for places like restaurants, stores, and museums.
2016: Discover
By launching a personalized feed (now called Discover) we helped people explore content tailored to their interests right in the Google app, without having to search.
2017: Lens
Google Lens turns your camera into a search query by looking at objects in a picture, comparing them to other images, and ranking those other images based on their similarity and relevance to the original picture. Now, you can search what you see in the Google app. Today, Lens sees more than 12 billion visual searches per month.
2018: Flood forecasting
To help people better prepare for impending floods, we created forecasting models that predict when and where devastating floods will occur with AI. We started these efforts in India and today, we’ve expanded flood warnings to 80 countries.
2019: BERT
A big part of what makes Search helpful is our ability to understand language. In 2018, we introduced and open-sourced a neural network-based technique to train our language understanding models: BERT (Bidirectional Encoder Representations from Transformers). BERT makes Search more helpful by better understanding language, meaning it considers the full context of a word. After rigorous testing in 2019, we applied BERT to more than 70 languages. Learn more about how BERT works to understand your searches.
2020: Shopping Graph
Online shopping became a whole lot easier and more comprehensive when we made it free for any retailer or brand to show their products on Google. We also introduced Shopping Graph, an AI-powered dataset of constantly-updating products, sellers, brands, reviews and local inventory that today consists of 35 billion product listings.
2020: Hum to Search
We launched Hum to Search in the Google app, so you’ll no longer be frustrated when you can’t remember the tune that’s stuck in your head. The machine learning feature identifies potential song matches after you hum, whistle or sing a melody. You can then explore information on the song and artist.
2021: About this result
To help people make more informed decisions about which results will be most useful and reliable for them, we added “About this result” next to most search results. It explains why a result is being shown to you and gives more context about the content and its source, based on best practices from information literacy experts. ‘About this’ result is now available in all languages where Search is available.
2022: Multisearch
To help you uncover the information you’re looking for — no matter how tricky — we created an entirely new way to search with text and images simultaneously through Multisearch. Now you can snap a photo of your dining set and add the query “coffee table” to find a matching table. First launched in the U.S., Multisearch is now available globally on mobile, in all languages and countries where Lens is available.
2023: Search Labs & Search Generative Experience (SGE)
Every year in Search, we do hundreds of thousands of experiments to figure out how to make Google more helpful for you. With Search Labs, you can test early-stage experiments and share feedback directly with the teams working on them. The first experiment, SGE, brings the power of generative AI directly into Search. You can get the gist of a topic with AI-powered overviews, pointers to explore more and natural ways to ask follow ups. Since launching in the U.S., we’ve rapidly added new capabilities, with more to come.
As someone who’s been following the world of search engines for more than two decades, it’s amazing to reflect on where Google started — and how far we’ve come.
As technology advances, the internet is undergoing a revolutionary shift toward decentralization. Known as Web3, this next phase of the internet is redefining how we interact with digital systems by emphasizing transparency, user ownership, and autonomy.
At the heart of this evolution are Web3 developers—professionals whose expertise in blockchain and decentralized systems is driving innovation and creating exciting new opportunities. Pursuing a Web3 career is not just about adapting to industry trends; it’s about shaping the future of technology. In this article, we’ll explore why Web3 developers are in high demand and how you can step into this promising field.
What is Web3?
Web3 represents the decentralized evolution of the internet. Unlike its predecessor, Web2, where centralized platforms dominate, Web3 leverages blockchain technology to create an ecosystem that is transparent, secure, and community-driven.
Some of the defining features of Web3 include:
- Decentralization: Control is distributed among users rather than being concentrated in a single organization.
- Transparency: Blockchain technology ensures that all transactions and operations are open and verifiable.
- Automation: Smart contracts allow for self-executing agreements, reducing the need for intermediaries.
This paradigm shift has unlocked immense opportunities, particularly for developers who can create, manage, and enhance Web3 applications.
Why a Web3 Career is the Future
- Rapid Growth in Blockchain Technology
Blockchain is no longer just about digital currencies; its applications have expanded to include finance, healthcare, logistics, and gaming, among others.
This rapid adoption is driving an unprecedented demand for Web3 developers to build decentralized applications (dApps) and integrate blockchain solutions across various sectors.
- High Demand and Competitive Compensation
The demand for Web3 talent has outpaced supply, making it one of the most lucrative fields in tech. Web3 developers often earn significantly more than traditional developers due to their specialized skills.
Many roles offer remote and flexible working arrangements, enabling global opportunities.
- Opportunities for Innovation
Web3 is still in its infancy, making it a playground for innovators. From creating decentralized finance systems to building virtual economies in the metaverse, developers have the chance to work on groundbreaking projects that redefine industries.
Key Skills for a Successful Web3 Career
To excel as a Web3 developer, mastering certain skills is essential:
- Programming Knowledge: Proficiency in languages like Solidity, Rust, or Go, commonly used in smart contract and blockchain development.
- Blockchain Fundamentals: A deep understanding of how decentralized networks function and their architecture.
- Smart Contracts: The ability to design and implement self-executing contracts.
- Cryptography: Knowledge of encryption techniques to ensure security in applications.
Soft skills such as adaptability and problem-solving are equally important, given the fast-paced nature of the industry.
Benefits of Pursuing a Web3 Career
A career in Web3 comes with a range of unique advantages:
- Global Reach: The decentralized nature of Web3 opens doors to international opportunities without geographical limitations.
- Future-Ready Skills: Web3 expertise is increasingly sought after, offering a secure and sustainable career path.
- Collaborative Ecosystem: Unlike traditional tech environments, Web3 thrives on open collaboration and community-driven development.
- Freedom to Innovate: Developers have the flexibility to experiment and contribute to transformative projects.
Steps to Start Your Web3 Journey
Breaking into a Web3 career may seem challenging, but with a focused approach, it’s entirely achievable. Here’s how to get started:
Understand the Basics
- Learn the core concepts of blockchain technology, decentralized systems, and smart contracts.
- Explore educational resources, tutorials, and online communities for foundational knowledge.
Develop Technical Skills
- Master programming languages and frameworks commonly used in blockchain development.
- Familiarize yourself with Web3-specific tools and libraries to streamline your workflow.
Build Projects
- Start small by creating basic decentralized applications or experimenting with smart contracts.
- Showcase your work in a portfolio to demonstrate your capabilities for a potential employer.
Engage with the Community
- Join forums, developer meetups, and hackathons to network with others in the field.
- Stay updated on industry trends by following Web3-focused discussions and publications.
Continue Learning
- The Web3 space is constantly evolving, so staying up-to-date with advancements is crucial.
- Seek out certifications or courses to deepen your expertise and credibility.
Challenges and Future Outlook
While the opportunities in Web3 are immense, they come with challenges. The fast-evolving technology requires developers to continually upskill. Additionally, the regulatory landscape for blockchain and decentralized systems is still developing, which may introduce uncertainties. A Web3 career offers more than just a job—it provides a chance to shape the next wave of technological innovation. As industries embrace decentralization, the demand for Web3 developers will only grow. Whether you’re a seasoned tech professional or someone looking to enter the field, now is the perfect time to explore this exciting career path. By stepping into the world of Web3, you’re not just advancing your skills—you’re becoming part of a movement that’s redefining how we connect, transact, and collaborate online. The future of technology is here, and it’s decentralized. Will you be part of it?
By Adedapo Adesanya
HubPharm has emerged as the winner of First City Monument Bank (FCMB)’s HERccelerate Showcase Day held recently at Hub One, FCMB’s Innovation Hub in Yaba, Lagos.
The tech accelerator, powered by FCMB’s SheVentures and Hub One and delivered by 8thGear Hub & Venture Studios, was designed to empower women-led startups in Nigeria with the skills and resources needed to secure funding and scale.
HubPharm was the best out of 10 finalists with Midddleman, a platform simplifying payments for African e-commerce businesses sourcing from China coming second, while Onit, a productivity tool designed for African SMEs, secured third place.
The Showcase Day brought together the finalists selected from over 1,000 applications who pitched their innovative solutions to a panel of judges.
Ms Tope Kareem, the co-founder of the startup explained that HubPharm is a digital platform with a retail pharmacy chain which has delivered over 100,000 medications across 15 cities, ensuring 98 per cent on-time delivery with AI-driven logistics.
We plan to explore more options and ensure Nigerians, both at home and abroad, know the importance of prioritizing their health. This funding will enable us to keep growing and making an impact,” she noted.
Speaking on the HERccelerate initiative, Mrs Nnenna Jacob-Ogogo, Group Head of SheVentures, described it as “a testament to what we can achieve when we invest in women. While this is the first pilot of its kind, it is clear that women in tech have the talent, resilience, and vision to drive innovation.”
She also highlighted SheVentures’ broader impact, noting that over the past five years, they have “scaled businesses through four key pillars: access to finance, knowledge, markets, and networks. Our Zero Interest Loan program has provided over N800 million in funding to women entrepreneurs so far, an unprecedented achievement in the industry.”
The top 10 finalists will get free access to Hub One’s coworking space for a year, valued at over N5 million and will also be supported to scale their businesses.
FCMB’s HERccelerate programme is setting a new standard for supporting women in tech, with plans to accelerate over 200 startups in the next five years. By fostering innovation and inclusion, FCMB is shaping a brighter future for women entrepreneurs in Nigeria.
By eTraverse
That’s Changing Everything
Imagine a web development company that employs Artificial Intelligence (AI) to produce a completely personalized website in a matter of minutes rather than months. That is the real power of AI for web development.
Artificial intelligence technologies have allowed companies like Wix to generate websites 50% faster, and website developers are now able to reduce coding time by up to 40% with the use of AI tools. In addition to increasing user engagement, these developments in website design and development are also establishing new benchmarks for effectiveness and security.
In this blog, we dive into how AI is transforming web development, offering real-world examples, and compelling metrics.
The Evolution of Web Development
Over time, web development has undergone significant change. Static HTML pages were used in the early development of websites, providing little to no interactivity. With the advent of dynamic web apps, websites could become more interactive and visually appealing thanks to JavaScript, CSS, and HTML5.
Rich, dynamic user experiences replaced static material as of this change. To ensure that websites function flawlessly across all devices and screen sizes, responsive design and sophisticated structures are now the main focuses of current web development.
Web interactions are now more seamless and intuitive than ever thanks to these developments, which have raised the bar for website design and development.
The Emergence and Growth of AI
From a theoretical concept, AI has developed into a potent instrument that is revolutionizing the industry. AI first concentrated on developing computers with intelligence like that of humans.
Important turning points include deep learning, that utilizes neural networks to analyse complex data, and machine learning, where algorithms learn from data. Automated language comprehension is made possible by Natural Language Processing (NLP).
Sectors such as healthcare (AI-driven tools have improved diagnostic accuracy by 20%) and finance (AI forecasts market movements with 90% accuracy) have been transformed by these breakthroughs. AI is currently improving website design and development and changing web development.
AI technologies, for instance, can increase user engagement by 35% and speed up coding by 50%. AI has a significant impact on web development and is establishing new benchmarks for productivity and creativity.
AI’s Impact on Web Development
Enhanced User Experience (UX)
User experience (UX) has been completely transformed by AI thanks to its highly tailored and natural interactions. With AI algorithms analyzing user data to provide recommendations and information that is specifically catered to, personalization is at the forefront.
For instance, AI is used by e-commerce giants like Amazon and Netflix to recommend movies and goods to consumers based on their past interactions, making the user experience more relevant and engaging. Because material is tailored to each user’s tastes, this personalized approach can boost user happiness and retention.
Virtual assistants and chatbots are further important applications of AI in UX. These AI-powered solutions effectively respond to consumer questions and support requests while offering immediate help. For example, Sephora’s chatbot improves the overall shopping experience by assisting customers with product discovery and appointment scheduling.
Virtual assistants, such as those powered by AI like Google Assistant and Siri, offer hands-free interaction and seamless integration into daily activities, improving user convenience and engagement.
Automated Coding and Development Tools
Artificial Intelligence (AI) has brought strong tools to the field of automated coding and development that simplify the coding process. Code generation and code management are being revolutionized by AI-powered solutions like GitHub Copilot and code generators.
For instance, GitHub Copilot uses AI to automate repetitive operations and provide code snippets, freeing up developers to work on more intricate project components. This results in more effective and dependable development by cutting down on coding time by up to 40% and lowering the possibility of errors.
Because these technologies provide standard coding methods and minimize the need for intensive manual testing, they help improve developer collaboration. AI incorporation into development workflows increases code quality and speeds up project completion.
SEO and Content Optimization
Significant advancements in SEO and content optimization have also been made by AI. Large volumes of data are analyzed by AI-driven SEO technologies to improve website visibility and ranking by optimizing content for search engines.
AI is used by programs like Clearscope and MarketMuse to assess the relevance of material and offer recommendations that can be implemented. By using a data-driven strategy, material may be made to comply with SEO guidelines and increase organic traffic.
Predictive analytics is also essential for performance monitoring and content production.
Businesses can create content strategies that are in line with future demands thanks to AI algorithms that predict trends and consumer preferences. This proactive strategy aids in sustaining high levels of engagement and adjusting to shifting market dynamics.
Web Security
AI has a significant impact on web security since it provides cutting-edge methods for detecting and reducing security risks. Real-time pattern analysis and anomaly detection capabilities of AI systems enable them to provide early alerts of possible security breaches. To improve overall security, for example, systems such as Darktrace employ AI to monitor network traffic and spot anomalous activity.
Artificial intelligence (AI) further improves automated security testing and vulnerability assessments, enabling ongoing system and web application evaluation. This keeps sensitive data protected and the internet ecosystem secure by guaranteeing that any vulnerabilities are fixed quickly.
Case Studies and Real-World Examples
Websites and apps with artificial intelligence (AI) enhancements are demonstrating the revolutionary potential of AI in web development. Wix’s Artificial Design Intelligence (ADI) is one notable example. Wix ADI employs artificial intelligence (AI) to generate personalized websites by assessing user preferences and content requirements. With this technology, the process of creating a website has been greatly expedited. Development time has been reduced by 50%, enabling enterprises to launch a polished website more rapidly.
Adobe Sensei, an AI and machine learning platform incorporated within Adobe’s toolkit, is another well-known example. Adobe Sensei improves the creation of websites by offering predictive content, automated tagging, and sophisticated image recognition.
For example, Adobe Sensei’s AI-driven solutions can assess user behavior patterns and streamline content distribution, leading to a 30% rise in user engagement and happiness on platforms that make use of these capabilities.
Success examples demonstrate how AI in web development has real benefits. eBay has introduced AI-powered visual search features that let consumers look for products by utilizing photos rather than text. Conversion rates have grown by 20% and user engagement has improved because of this functionality. Shopify’s use of AI to provide tailored product recommendations has increased sales for its merchants by 35%.
These illustrations show how businesses are using AI to improve user experiences, expedite the development process, and produce quantifiable commercial results. The application of AI in web development is becoming more and more important as it makes digital experiences more effective, customized, and interesting.
Challenges and Considerations
AI ethical considerations include biases in AI and data privacy. Keeping people’s trust requires protecting user data while avoiding biased results. AI dependence raises questions regarding dependence, as it may result in job displacement and less supervision from humans.
Technical challenges also include the potentially difficult and resource-intensive integration of AI with current web frameworks and technologies.
Ethical and efficient web development requires striking a balance between these factors and the advantages of artificial intelligence. By addressing these issues, we can minimize any potential negative effects and ensure that AI breakthroughs have a good impact.
AI and Web Development’s Future
Forecasts and patterns indicate that artificial intelligence (AI) will have a greater impact on web development in the future, propelling advancements in automation and user experience.
Website user and device interactions will change because of emerging technologies like AI in AR/VR and IoT, which will provide more connected and immersive experiences. To remain competitive, web developers of the future will need to combine their traditional talents with AI knowledge. It will be essential to master both traditional web development methods and AI technologies in order to create cutting-edge, intelligent web solutions and adjust to changing industry demands.
eTraverse’s Competency in Using AI for Web Development
eTraverse excels in harnessing AI to elevate web development. Leveraging AI, eTraverse enhances website design and development through advanced tools like AI-driven personalization and automated coding solutions.
Our use of machine learning and predictive analytics optimizes user experiences, delivering tailored content and recommendations. With a focus on integrating AI with existing web frameworks, eTraverse ensures seamless, cutting-edge solutions.
Our expertise extends to AI-enhanced SEO and web security, providing comprehensive, data-driven strategies that drive business growth and efficiency. eTraverse’s innovative approach positions them as a leader in AI-powered web development.
Conclusion
With automation, security, and user experience previously unheard of, the industry is being revolutionized by the incorporation of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into web development. Artificial intelligence (AI) technologies, such as deep learning, machine learning, and Natural Language Processing (NLP), are changing the way websites are created, built, and optimized.
Leading companies, such as eTraverse, are utilizing artificial intelligence (AI) to provide creative solutions that improve website performance and user engagement. Accepting AI simplifies development procedures and creates new opportunities for intelligent, safe, and adaptable web experiences. The revolutionary potential of AI promises a bright future for web development.
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