Moving to the changes on the SERP:
Result Type:
Allow you an easier navigation to the type of results (previously available only on the top of the page), with some new additions: updates, discussions...
Realtime Content
Option to filter by article timing with more realtime results from both twitter and facebook. The below example depicts a scenario of a user looking for updates on the volcanic ashes. New results will appear on-the-fly as they become available
Localisation:
Localization is one of the key areas that Google are focusing on. In addition to giving local relevance depending on the interface you're using (Google.com vs. Google.ae), now you have the option to filter the results to show the ones near you. So here's an example, if you search for Dubai Mall; you'll end up with the official site as a first result:
If you pick the "Nearby" results, the outcome is totally different. You'll end up with all the related local business results
Refined Queries:
Wonder wheel is the name of their product and it helps you refine your search. Here's an example, you're looking for an airline ticket to Lebanon. Enter "Ticket to Lebanon", click search then on wonder wheel. From there, click "Airline tickets to Lebanon" and then "Airlines Fly Beirut": You end up with many options: Emirates, Qatar Airways, Turkish Airlines...
The timeline option gives you both a visualization and a filtering tool to refine your search based on a timeperiod. Here's an example: If you want to read more about "Barack Obama" childhood, start by searching for his name then select "Timeline" from the left pane. The result is a timeline from the 1960 till today, with some snippets of the event that occurred during this period; all you have to do is select the 1960 timeframe and more articles will come up within the selected timeperiod for more specific content
Something Different:
This technology is based on Google Squared, it allows you to find more topics related to your search query. A search for Jimmi Hendrix will result with similar options: Pink Floyd and Janis Joplin! I don't know about you but both are my favorite too, well done Google!
Other features:
The list goes on to cover searching for sites that contain images related to your search query, previewing the results within the SERP to many others...
To wrap this up, yes the page is a bit cluttered yet it's more options for the users. If you got used to all the Facebook changes you can easily adapt to Google's. It's nice to see all their Labs products translating into usable components. For people who are picky with their search results, the new interface is perfect for them. For those who don't care about accurate relevancy, close your left eye and continue to use the old interface.
