Inline Facts Next to Google Search Results

Google now shows a list of facts next to some Wikipedia results. Knowledge Graph data extracted from Wikipedia is now placed below the snippets. <br /><br />For example, when searching for [<a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=duchy+of+amalfi">duchy of Amalfi]</a>, Google shows some information about Amalfi, a town in the province of Salerno and the former capital of the Duchy of Amalfi.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ0pEr86Oz16x1Ofd-dpSHUYdW7pGets_apVXLcU2akmX06bzGjh6slVLEXC4W-HdIcA5_vLZep70E723lUOpzO8rjgFFxAar-gzZ_U7x89tKHqLrkjCsIiKR31XvrIU_emhxJEIT-uH7n/s1600/amalfi-annotations.png" /></div><br />When searching for [<a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=king+of+rome">king of Rome</a>], Google shows the name of the last king and the year when the monarchy ended.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtTId3mlhnYwol-7bpHWGInaBxy_272EaMwPJTvm_pvjTy2gB6v9mETrJ5BvkGcEF2ysXPNndLBYpQMFwJYXbYFhuuzWuRj73aR6hH7vg-L6i1JNntS7OeFSRXzMM6H9tEngkbaLpod6CY/s1600/king-of-rome.png" /></div><br />Some of the facts aren't very useful or are taken out of context. For example, Google shows "President: Dwight D. Eisenhower" next to the Wikipedia result for Richard Nixon, without mentioning that Nixon was vice president during the Eisenhower administration.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcY2ns0mPAMzM1ZQUe-NQH_M4oMfnEDuYo0IpI7VcnjctiNq0SRCE3Q_fTC8u7VoueS1VShbjxBIsjI-2EtxaovlHUAp9yerT_J5Mj_xq5hLJLv9Pcybukvh7HEVGyVTvWzUnj0m9OQ39A/s1600/nixon-facts.png" /></div>

Inline Facts Next to Google Search Results

Google now shows a list of facts next to some Wikipedia results. Knowledge Graph data extracted from Wikipedia is now placed below the snipp...

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Google Knowledge Graph Shows Forms of Government

Do you want to learn more about the forms of government from various countries? Search Google for "government of [country]" and Google will show if the country is a constitutional monarchy, constitutional republic, federal republic, unitary state, parliamentary republic, non-partisan democracy, military dictatorship.<br /><br />Here's an example for [<a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=government%20of%20tuvalu">government of tuvalu</a>]<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDAdj1DO_0ra9hMetTwDZ2nch0NOVW3eqJ5nW5qAfFPg4T_I-0KL_sjO7AZpAtST-qWv16XpJmgch9Xl-sF3uIoVa8Y6rP633PR9canKhONlRfcmNimljrmpUBWFbZX2zwtuOdoA6ZtvT-/s1600/google-government-tuvalu.png" /></div><br />Click one of the forms of government and Google will display more information. For example, Tuvalu, a small island in the Pacific Ocean, is a nonpartisan democracy, which means that Tuvalu has no political parties. It's also a constitutional monarchy.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDAaxou_z_xmxavxQQmwHOiY-o2mzhspf2Ve5w8WLA8ECmlJB2VHvO0A8-fZWKukxDaRvM1NgPG3E8S19cYp8UXez7G5gjKzZQEriQnn0bj5q1wrNkYfqErz7BrzTMZkAZ1IDYMOcP7Xxb/s1600/google-government-tuvalu-2.png" /></div><br />Germany is a federal republic, which means it's a federation of states with a republican form of government.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg0Fncb6hi1LfDSUg4Sum754ZCG5v2uL0Uds4rEmhN-8cu6hdv6e9187tQIF5gA4eqEnA1lWyFylAO-p76Od9EC2gbtxE-tOIRx8DSKpj7xv6rsnz0GZkMK2VSBafPgbN2d5wC8hFNbgpH/s1600/google-government-germany.png" /></div><br />Switzerland is also a federal republic, but it's the only country in the world that's a direct democracy and has a directorial system. "Switzerland is the closest state in the world to a direct democracy. For any change in the constitution, a referendum is mandatory (mandatory referendum); for any change in a law, a referendum can be requested (optional referendum)," <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Politics_of_Switzerland">explains Wikipedia</a>. Switzerland is also <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Directorial_system">a directorial republic</a>, "a country ruled by a college of several people who jointly exercise the powers of a head of state or a head of government". <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSe2O1hW0pW-VBYZM7Du1Q7SyLJBLQ4A-VLZAMTNd8HzXlxXavcGPu1p2IFFGc9KZQaxspqsOkt0eyan_8cghjTu1doUgM0SarEnBS4E242mOp3Wd9JB8VXbLKfA9H3GYI-F9WXFU_eTWP/s1600/google-government-switzerland.png" /></div><br />{ Thanks, <a href="https://plus.google.com/+HerinMaru/">Herin Maru</a>. }

Google Knowledge Graph Shows Forms of Government

Do you want to learn more about the forms of government from various countries? Search Google for "government of [country]" and Go...

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Google Knowledge Graph Winners

If you search for [<a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=oscar+winners">oscar winners</a>], Google shows a long list of winners in the Knowledge Graph sidebar. You can scroll down to see all of them, switch to a different year or click a category and see all the nominees. Search for [<a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=oscar+1995">oscar 1995</a>] to find the winners from 1995, for example.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4CtqjFDPUj4JNhK8m_PYhpzuiOvH02HWN4lIpLTC4MvMPPY8X3V3ls-6eDYIIaYqgR-wK1rY6-4ts-4mxEq_1wCMUaiun6IVMilebrl5zEXvykLGWkvtmfsX8XGLmzHLujQAYyD_knAUS/s1600/oscar-winners.png" /></div><br />You can also try [<a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=grammy">Grammy</a>], [<a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=emmy">Emmy</a>], [<a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=cesar%20winners">Cesar winners</a>], [<a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=goya+awards">Goya Awards</a>], [<a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=tony%20awards">Tony awards</a>], [<a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=golden%20globes">Golden Globes</a>], [<a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=brit+awards">Brit Awards</a>], [<a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=pulitzer">Pulitzer</a>], [<a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=nobel+awards">Nobel awards</a>] and many other queries. It works for more specific queries like [<a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=nobel+peace+prize">nobel peace prize</a>] or [<a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=nobel+prize+physics">nobel prize physics</a>].<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVg3ayV_lOJX5eJqeP0GHQM8GlhTNPY3m7PR9vonyQhygwLDWWnOy0ae6U983U38yPzpO_JnuDJlrY7M18l2A1uaQgXFmnZuQSFkI7-eIp-0t790zcKzFE_WyKdg6sxabYFqkg-kuvDptK/s1600/nobel-peace-winners.png" /></div>

Google Knowledge Graph Winners

If you search for [ oscar winners ], Google shows a long list of winners in the Knowledge Graph sidebar. You can scroll down to see all of t...

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Google Tests Timeline View for Knowledge Graph

Google tests a timeline view for Knowledge Graph cards. For a query like [World War I], Google's experimental interface displays a chronological list of important events obtained from Wikipedia articles.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ94nJqK0AcQoqZKhJTT4FX07k4Y9exC2blDtSGU9sLfx2VCHd-2gEjQqakeNZxWDU17KZOJw-KIg4dHn-q8AAd3o2WPV1QJlTLQW8yEGS4McTHhZaoS1Ktdw9VfPYIt_MrOGU9RGjWwsB/s1600/google-timelines-2.png" /></div><br />Mouse over an event and Google shows more information, including images, relevant dates and snippets from Wikipedia articles. Click the event to perform a Google search.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR_COb1rb1UBppJt9ljAnAFQSEGU5-C5rMjTQMiEo3HgWirx42mh5pm9WjRlLOXGjY6ZCZQ0k2twJwylK2w1_PuPaaW5ZUMo2CYQR76REWr0ObPMCeZUosgi9jcu85asyDJ_DSKVEDSH_i/s1600/google-timelines-1.png" /></div><br />By default, Google only highlights some of the most important events, but you can zoom in to explore to see even more events. Google uses colors and parallel axis to distinguish between different types of information.<br /><br /><a href="https://plus.google.com/+FlorianKiersch/posts/iUm4FNcQWNs">Here's a video</a> that shows this feature in action. Right now, the timeline view looks like a tool for power users and Google will have to create a simplified interface when this feature is publicly released.<br /><br />Back in 2007, Google Labs added <a href="http://edtechtoday.wordpress.com/2008/09/10/googles-experimental-lab-timeline-generator/">a timeline view</a> for Google Search. Google News Archive also had <a href="http://googlesystem.blogspot.com/2007/12/google-news-archives-updated-timelines.html">a timeline view</a>. These features displayed relevant search results about important events related to your query.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY2uk3I2AUfLZqVeSu3A8pTn0dvEO3ZpVGYww0FTf2065IwuvgLvmqeAMP71Qu87Yx-NDQhGSSH1AZE76wk3JyvQz5fObePLkZfCfCR6yBAxC9huUjrQ-ZfS1orgN2TO5lNKMK3xtnHTMo/s1600/news-archive-timelines.png" /></div><br />{ via <a href="http://stadt-bremerhaven.de/google-knowledge-graph-zeitachsen/">Florian Kiersch</a> - <a href="http://translate.google.com/translate?sl=auto&tl=en&js=y&prev=_t&hl=en&ie=UTF-8&u=http%3A%2F%2Fstadt-bremerhaven.de%2Fgoogle-knowledge-graph-zeitachsen%2F&edit-text=&act=url">translation</a> }

Google Tests Timeline View for Knowledge Graph

Google tests a timeline view for Knowledge Graph cards. For a query like [World War I], Google's experimental interface displays a chron...

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Google Shows Images Next to Search Answers

I mentioned in a previous post that <a href="http://googlesystem.blogspot.com/2014/01/google-answers-complicated-questions.html">Google answers complicated questions</a> using information from web pages. Now Google also shows images next to the relevant snippets. Here's an example for [<a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=galaxy+s5+focal+length">galaxy s5 focal length</a>].<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6JxdOsPaXLRYTqFLc2m8btSyuHp30mwDagtqspu7FSBlcbYvP_C6eVh5GT4UVEQe8Sa54e1bgTXyxXe8zhMmSE_5av7f-Nv5KOIIbW-BdfMgDKu_JfXf7nVIJ29aFxNAkZEGqTLiiajEG/s1600/galaxy-s5-focal-length.png" /></div><br />Here's another example for [<a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=iphone+5s+focal+length">iphone 5s focal length</a>]. This time, Google highlights the wrong answer:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMyoWKfUPTgrhLsowz_0PUVUAKIOnj59wKhjM89af1Ez_Zz2mzROhAfaC3sJlC3Jlh3waWm0Tdiix53pLUpxpBAWjKjsw_DjV0FwKmmcdJXXjdU3rkUGcIW63bNbi2KDrr-ulHi3CZ7540/s1600/iphone-focal-length-1.png" /></div><br />A search for [<a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=iphone+focal+length">iphone focal length</a>] returns a row from a table that compares focal length for the latest 4 iPhones.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidD23zeydz7m6VAC3HCZCdUR8Zgh1jsKvP02Kkfy5KKgeF0zr0GBGOJYdQMAgqlOeAU0DIkgCvd5b7g6Z6hPEsjivMjIJ5U8Mry9gIe9uESwDcrqJjBV3FfQxX-S8Yk5u0ShhgY-9ob9vF/s1600/iphone-focal-length-2.png" /></div>

Google Shows Images Next to Search Answers

I mentioned in a previous post that Google answers complicated questions using information from web pages. Now Google also shows images nex...

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Google Discontinues Q&A Services

Google had a few local Q&A services in different countries: <a href="http://otvety.google.ru/otvety/">Otvety</a> (Russia), <a href="http://www.google.com/baraza/en/">Baraza</a> (Africa), <a href="http://www.google.co.id/tanya/">Tanya Jawab</a> (Indonesia), <a href="http://guru.google.co.th/guru/">Guru</a> (Thailand), <a href="http://www.google.com.vn/giaidap/">Giai Dap</a> (Vietnam), <a href="http://ejabat.google.com/ejabat/">Ejabat</a> (Arabic), <a href="http://wenda.google.com.hk/wenda/">Wenda</a> (China). On June 23, all the services were discontinued and became read only.<br /><br />"Baraza was developed when there was not adequate content on the web in emerging market languages. Content in emerging market languages has grown significantly over the past few years and several other services for user-generated content are now available. Questions that have been answered up to now will be available for users to search and browse. No new questions and answers will be accepted, as we have stopped active development of this service," <a href="http://www.google.com/baraza/en/help?file=readonly">informs Google</a>.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYZSv2BvBMLmjBcFsDX3vetSH8aRGQhZhG-WimtK85iFCr_rT7v8zo_pG3fORpbeJrBZ_D9eTJgBKce9zbYO2J3vXgo_gaLi4_LyFmWMA1D7ISOj-whEjOMsip8RG1B7XRWmYdR0HudGGp/s1600/baraza.png" /></div><br />Users can download their questions, answers and private message from <a href="https://www.google.com/settings/takeout/custom/qna">Google Takeout</a>.

Google Discontinues Q&A Services

Google had a few local Q&A services in different countries: Otvety (Russia), Baraza (Africa), Tanya Jawab (Indonesia), Guru (Thailan...

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Tables in Google Knowledge Graph Cards

Google's Knowledge Graph cards sometimes include tables extracted from web pages. For example, when searching for [<a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=fl+food+stamp+number">fl food stamp number</a>], Google shows the phone number of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program office from Florida. Google mentions that the page has "53 more rows and 2 more columns".<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjttV_oIF3oNVtwXbNslNNXQCyL-mmjeg9oqMrzmWM11g7UeoC2YEIo92fyKHZUMw3SZ89YPboRu3BDLs9TjPTnYCC50iW4UDMdryRb6Ae_XQds6C4TT6XGlOzENHnjfGZm8kRsi_uMidoq/s1600/knowledge-graph-tables.png" /></div><br />Here's <a href="http://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/contact_info/hotlines.htm">the page</a> used by Google to find the phone number:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAjVBOl1lZGJqVGa8OiAFj3pyKbclqI0Z0HNw4ubYMfFw8qhS1dKoVOr7b_Zm5yhb5WO2I-SMaleiTUlu2g8wGKvdXXjatfz3N0TYG5spOPMYN7Z8pLSSqAAIxClQHXrlZYFh0GeVX5_oL/s1600/knowledge-graph-tables-2.png" /></div><br />Google also shows <a href="http://googlesystem.blogspot.com/2011/11/table-snippets-in-google-search.html">table snippets</a> for regular search results and has <a href="http://googlesystem.blogspot.com/2013/05/google-table-search.html">an experimental table search engine</a>.

Tables in Google Knowledge Graph Cards

Google's Knowledge Graph cards sometimes include tables extracted from web pages. For example, when searching for [ fl food stamp number...

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Knowledge Graph Card in Google Maps

Google Maps for desktop added a "quick facts" card that uses information from the Knowledge Graph. If you search for a country, a state, a city, a district, a museum or any other important building, you'll find some information from Wikipedia.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw2fGRP5B6infPNleEeWXANUdDPLPed1MDW3hDy4RWikSK6c5JBJtCA1EXXeGmgIDgcaaNGuuGGB7n6bNwzrTKbvNw6gpBybbQm7RmuzvbplgfjA7ldpH4ZUrgMLtBtr27KyrOHWJ80VZs/s1600/google-maps-knowledge-graph.png" /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPkGbNxN-MpXXkgm8CRIBH1IeWMny5khvmFtH0M0v9rQw_I0hOmwQQyMbdecPjwgsDyHVfE0Vqz6rRGMRhz7Hu1qdNBC5a7Q5KAHH4iKyL0XXkU7tJuVn5aKVDkAf5OETT9_JQp6pdoOr7/s1600/google-maps-knowledge-graph-2.png" /></div><br />Google Maps cards include a lot of useful information, depending on the context: events, transit information, hotel booking.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc95vJMoaTB44yNqjRLVMTlDXP0V-3aBhiLB20vduYwxNB5gWiVstUQWlZ9nQOfT1zmjc7HnXx7kuC_4YIay1H7WF-buqzO-4SZ9p18bYyX8SkwjcAcil8-1qvm5Btkc2J-G2JIroCsZ6X/s1600/google-maps-hotel-booking.png" /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyhC1RPsdvViACiIEo2sV5kP7Fpbi-0qom0CnxspRwo71dH46l2X7zvPEOffB_46lyM25f2Z8Xoh1uxUZbX9y6goz8Ha2BCKbWnIW5XbsUfiD8J4AQcKnPYUzgVbNa9D6aimUSQMQbWTpr/s1600/google-maps-transit-card.png" /></div><br />{ via <a href="https://plus.google.com/u/0/+GoogleMaps/posts/JuYUXbtQUHi">+Google Maps</a> }<br /><br />

Knowledge Graph Card in Google Maps

Google Maps for desktop added a "quick facts" card that uses information from the Knowledge Graph. If you search for a country, a ...

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Google Latitude and Knowledge Graph

Google Latitude was the name of a Google product. When you search for [<a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=google+latitude">google latitude</a>], Google now shows the physical coordinates of its headquarters.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqx1RMLV7tYlV43LhJSREYX3Gs83RV5AMtBaxaGv7hSAy2fX8IGDNLHA_TaP_OczHe3LCLd9pr0Ty9tzPjkBXBvqF2GpbLHTe3hSnBla6lFXwQ7JEk05G7eMV9dpIo7mOZXXYK2LcmzNYE/s1600/google-latitude-knowledge.png" /></div><br />This is powered by Knowledge Graph and it's no limited to the Googleplex. It also works for [<a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=pentagon+latitude">pentagon latitude</a>], [<a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=tour+eiffel+coordinates">tour eiffel coordinates</a>] and more.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAmDTKAqFL7oP2yGMPaKzPJxG28kM0utcaStBiqIrb9rqmt3vlIp7FHoRtinRs3CqxlFRyL5KuS-IqmVsiZqQpWe1zuIrxdGGETHB4zUuMku92P1SDO8srTZZ3I6UVta5za6p9pJGlsBhk/s1600/sidney-latitude-knowledge.png" /></div>

Google Latitude and Knowledge Graph

Google Latitude was the name of a Google product. When you search for [ google latitude ], Google now shows the physical coordinates of its ...

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Google Shows Related Topics

Google's Knowledge Graph boxes now include a list of related topics and some excerpts from articles about them. The related topics are usually linked from the corresponding Wikipedia article.<br /><br />For example, when you search for [<a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=equilateral+triangle">equilateral triangle</a>], Google shows these related topics: Equilateral polygon, Square, Regular polygon, Pythagorean theorem.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCzIR9RsKKchV8y57kHOzT3Rf06ak2oqN5WIVxqb8cMy8FN7Uvj6KbwYQALy_2S0NsCo2kvMjd-cu_IEe8YCxcNoM_LngsOf7cEZGauIeqoc6vumaF1GMJRsEhH1FijOiZ6Bzo2ENaykDt/s1600/related-topics.png" /></div><br />Here's another example for [<a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=earth+atmosphere">Earth atmosphere</a>]:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtBv8bODp3V8xfkannPKTIQ20lECkq5lfyC86xmCgQhw7WlmVmlDZKp8PddDLDaVzdxd00dPFYl1iam-3gSQsGOrXlVzJmMZGvrHtWTjT-kBqbVLWckvxG79myCGqH5K_XXEvWv09MZO2u/s1600/related-topics-2.png" /></div>

Google Shows Related Topics

Google's Knowledge Graph boxes now include a list of related topics and some excerpts from articles about them. The related topics are u...

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Google Answers Complicated Questions

Google used to only answer simple questions like "who's the prime minister of Canada?" or "what's the population of China?". Thanks to the Knowledge Graph project, Google can answer more complicated questions like "who played Batman?", "what's the latest album of Celine Dion?", "what are the main attractions in Spain?".<br /><br />Now Google shows direct answers for even more complex questions, but this seems to be limited to the US. Here's an example of question that doesn't have a definitive answer: "what's the distance between Earth and Mars?". I picked a shorter version of the query: "distance to the Mars." Google shows a snippet from a page that answers the question and highlights the distances. Usually, the page is in the first 10 search results and Google shows an extended snippet.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLKJGU9qWvuynn0ieniUJitgWnmSbDP8JVwDuNZW8Y7HAW3eOlqR6mHWwotlVrlHAuOxW5wB88EfDvvpln5CbR6tJo5GfVA5latWdXwti-ZtmnVKYtoSR_d3Kn5uMCqwxVpSl8_QA79cQ2/s1600/google-direct-answer-2.png" /></div><br />Here's another question: "why is the sky blue?".<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieFeDQ19cnNwKWSBOCVTo8UwNerdHBGZTcui1zAKhqh7MngCNRyziDWdDDYYwBAp0-AVLxXEU_wBXOBdGFPDLajt_f704XgSC-yApSm8e9IG2kywXqxg0STxDUvVgO4n2TvleMsRnNahRW/s1600/google-direct-answer-8.png" /></div><br />Why is the Red Sea called this way? Google has the answer.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXfytByiYLfLaYEfUMkyoZxfJP4wzyG4KUZSem6iQj2uSZaYgQkfFOj5P2OUZLJxkuPgm7mqzHEQLIE6RJq2701jLeX8iOmRxBYFAKtNy6QpPg1gwp_eXtRKo0sWcWhCesltoySPYnJ0HI/s1600/google-direct-answer-11.png" /></div><br />Google also answers: "how many work days in a year?", "who owns Lancia?", "who ended world war 2?", "who celebrates presidents day?", "how many countries are there?".<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcaVWQPmJaTHbKrkTzkcLGSY2za7BX9qRjyI63ALpkWREE5LsHUqMkv5PbDO4ly6C7K_-APH-uzOUNhLajeyIEJPg8-1MAGR2xWWDM4Tu8EP87oLtfvfIjGJsIjVRgjMXLzLZtkqRpPZrc/s1600/google-direct-answer-4.png" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl6XPzIPe0xpAUYRA3LKSeNAlFOlbLfSf5-rsSJrhSgcu8Wtg4kLdtOvZjAmJSUOBb05HmJWz4-1pae2WdpjKkDjg7hwXWOB3B99ykyEhAHCRa38g3zNs2SkveZdPcxEpeDXGbWSwsho75/s1600/google-direct-answer-5.png" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikgiL_e7GySeaLSXiKLTJ8m-4vkNlAznZuEzCylJd5WzO3XMOjsJBq8EqgQVLUlMZoJS_pH8Bf3537pJLihFax2oYXxr9ir6L4ylafsUqaBfl0NOPmNrJrhwNKCDWpvnhyphenhyphen67Ib_GQKk_0C/s1600/google-direct-answer-6.png" /></div><br />The answers aren't always accurate and sometimes they're incomplete (Will Smith has 3 kids):<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUsPR2reVCK2TEB3vnSkoYp9Pv44VaoImLrWjntZg0wNLum4hibTGsMBAq5rVKCyplH1KbH0pzZsFCPPhDEJN6g39CYqidZ_tNjtCHZZI3Vb4NkxZLFRmlxcophWZXParHwaPGimM6A9Iz/s1600/google-direct-answer-7.png" /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLBGUykWgyJtnOsTEXWEb2rAsFHTxxCpO_Dwexz6I7Ia3ml6EfQpvukSSVMkWowrNmdUg_3wenslOJdSs8wrUNjANGEnEJUInd7aCtpiok8j8pfFI2WX6E8j3DAWw2ZX9bz0fEBySw9N_S/s1600/google-direct-answer-3.png" /></div><br />While Google's quick answers are often useful, it's a good idea to check if they're accurate.

Google Answers Complicated Questions

Google used to only answer simple questions like "who's the prime minister of Canada?" or "what's the population of C...

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A Google Experiment Hides Knowledge Graph Sidebar

Google has an experiment that hides the Knowledge Graph sidebar, so it no longer shows information about famous people, companies, plants, cars, movies, books and more.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihPMXNSu372RPDlJAPTqI5n1Jn2aLT0gTwRKBzg2GqrnVwcfKcoFAnLazxhZXSNj5gkcrHpRLJXy7o9AlOI6bEZnupF7R-CGeC0-l7Oivp5zKqJLwyYHG4Mpt702skURoXnpzUjPR0IQbw/s1600/google-hides-knowledge-graph.png" /></div><br />To try this experiment, install a cookie manager extension like "<a href="https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/edit-this-cookie/fngmhnnpilhplaeedifhccceomclgfbg">Edit This Cookie</a>" for Chrome or <a href="https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/cookies-manager-plus/">Cookies Manager+</a> for Firefox, go to google.com and change the value of the NID cookie to:<br /><br /><i>67=Pj2b01uyf7hJnPvNoPECEnzlbCoXch_13GxuSVeSSyRdm_irfKzVaizXIE5svj3Qw1985iU4waenQh_Qy-BrE4WOtZ5Zoz9T4Kl1e1DtwJL4Xy0-JBcW_Z9IOKdd1H5Z</i><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGX__1zvTE75UPw7ZJCE5b4LRCF7eD3gtEWYy1QWKAz8vfqUdR2-oJgu9xnEJyOz6iyVoa1k1S82VtbznzGmYb-xVLNKQE2mwPCs0La_xJCjBjuqTj5LZeB0MhYZhS24puwP1z8pOojkuw/s640/edit-cookie.png" /></div><br />If you use "Edit This Cookie", don't forget to click "Submit changes". Delete the NID cookie to opt-out from the experiment.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="320" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/wNRsQWsnBbE?feature=player_embedded" width="580"></iframe></div><br />{ Thanks, <a href="http://allgoogletesting.blogspot.com/2014/01/google-tests-hide-knowledge-graph.html">Rubén</a>. }

A Google Experiment Hides Knowledge Graph Sidebar

Google has an experiment that hides the Knowledge Graph sidebar, so it no longer shows information about famous people, companies, plants, c...

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Google Knowledge Graph Gets Confused

Google has a lot of clever algorithms that detect so many things automatically. Some of these algorithms extract facts from webpages and add them to the Knowledge Graph.<br /><br />Here's a baffling example which shows that Google's algorithms aren't always so smart. When you search for [<a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=Robert+Greene">Robert Greene</a>], Google shows some information about an American author who was born in 1959 and died in... 1592. Google confused <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_Greene_(American_author)">Robert Greene, the American author</a>, with <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_Greene_(dramatist)">Robert Greene, a 16th-century English writer</a>. The American author is alive and still writes books.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiZuYTwDRe9vetLHhUSHjDq4Q72WA-9CRs1QFWTlvdtPj2k1EeOt5vhm8EhWS0Kf0MEGzabE9aH4Vy4hCVqtUxLhkWlmM6Ixqw4NOjldZoW1FwHClnZOhwb4np15-44EKdmI0lW42dvasb/s1600/robert-greene-knowledge-graph.png" /></div><br />The good news is that you can tell Google when you found an error like this by clicking "Feedback/More info" and then "Wrong?" next to the information that's incorrect. Still, you'd expect Google to check if the date of death is more recent than the date of birth.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_BDq4ZpGVx99AG3or9Y2bGQ5mnrTpYq2b9COX9JHqeU_C3Qc-xsMjdWwSM2gSOStMukK3z2jKMOOslZg0Kfk1Vt8zOxyNVx36GoWB138hWa_ilL_ClBFDC8TT1VJRd85CmJl5piBTHGdw/s1600/robert-greene-knowledge-graph-2.png" /></div><br /><b>Update (November 28)</b>: It took a few days, but Google fixed this issue.<br /><br /><b>Related</b>:<br /><a href="http://googlesystem.blogspot.com/2013/10/google-and-brandy-sober-mistake.html">Google and Brandy: a sober mistake</a><br /><a href="http://googlesystem.blogspot.com/2013/07/whats-right-answer.html">What's the right answer?</a><br /><br />{ Thanks, <a href="https://plus.google.com/+RoieAmbulo/posts/S7UQrYTTYrk">Roie Ambulo</a>. }

Google Knowledge Graph Gets Confused

Google has a lot of clever algorithms that detect so many things automatically. Some of these algorithms extract facts from webpages and add...

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Halloween Easter Eggs in Google Knowledge Graph

Google's Knowledge Graph cards for searches like [<a href="http://www.google.com/search?q=zombie">zombie</a>], [<a href="http://www.google.com/search?q=mummy">mummy</a>], [<a href="http://www.google.com/search?q=skeleton">skeleton</a>], [<a href="http://www.google.com/search?q=witch">witch</a>], [<a href="http://www.google.com/search?q=vampire">vampire</a>] or [<a href="http://www.google.com/search?q=ghost">ghost</a>] include some Easter Eggs. For ghosts, Google informs users that the food source is "air, your fear, being remembered", you can avoid them by "burning sage; not building a pool on burial grounds; staying away from haunted places" and you can defeat them by "calling Peter Venkman and Ray Stantz" from Ghostbusters.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGSsxu1ITwY_JuduM9-Jgdrpxblk56P1rmPcbzYu6rRkU_FL2KZp2IE3KDnoCHuZY3I-AuC0acl2tTKFQavCpOuIiHiCvyUrX5c6jfZQP7gaJmSpaHv-2inIJv9UgZBZBSA4pQUDAI-qYE/s640/knowledge-easter-egg-ghost.png" /></div><br />You can avoid skeletons by "staying away from catacombs and science classrooms" and skeletons have the following subgrouping "dem bones, dem bones, dem dry bones".<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIhPWAngwBxxqiqBKt1ASPfezLbxtOs-AZDKoXASWuh3CK3hQ0vvszLWvXhEfbESdibD8avR5iId0PS4_MJQb0kHZFgyzQs9Vj1mj4Z9WhJ0-_A-yVk7rAnJDZ0VGjmBi74T8qcTUnHdf5/s640/knowledge-easter-egg-skeleton.png" /></div><br />To avoid zombies, "don't join a dance troupe led by a man in a red leather suit; stay out of graveyards".<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSesF-G8QQEpPOzlnYqaPg_gIIUXU2PbuBI56cl5gp7RcmnP9NF8JKM8DqQdJbtCUzWnxvk9_cxBlO8KRkYlxZQhxa5rHB-8uVyw_GkORqmqw6v3rD7ONKE_UkaF4765U5r07duwOlpyNL/s640/knowledge-easter-egg-zombie.png" /></div><br />Mummies use "the power of love (and curses)". Google's advice: "don't raid tombs; never read ancient scrolls" if you want to avoid them.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyMJ_BuaUidw0gvgU9F-5fAWjm1VJsD-NqqijVckRBlzLl_2GO1X648CoQXQCP59ME99_thkq4QhXhWo3UgtaZEOLBnbMYLVHhnDQDehZTeoCKhULTokHJfdIj6K6VkUu-pcwy3VfjfBUj/s640/knowledge-easter-egg-mummy.png" /></div><br />Vampires have only one food source: "your blood". To avoid them, "don't invite them in, keep garlic on stock, stay away from Transylvania".<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRkSQ-ffaVNI5fGPr7N1ujYV9kLsluMdxmOSM8ieG2QFsprCuF6ghA22tYG2Nq_fh6BrVrs246QtJlK6IYkqoZSvGWrWteSrGKZumrCcesv-Toix5N2MVrLNndDuGHcZUmlrOK7ymcFsHW/s640/knowledge-easter-egg-vampire.png" /></div><br />Witches are easy to avoid: "don't eat red apples from strangers; hide if you see a flock of flying monkeys".<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD0WWT5VjQgoxVV9-5xy1XLua54x4knXQiTMurl3cqDPa8hwqjxO65W85qfWAdn3qeeyM71G1zsuPyuI6Ovib81kxgdIsU2znSvYprjADUloNIufHgeitMgaZxwqBZeUh1KguoSMVxww-c/s640/knowledge-easter-egg-witch.png" /></div><br />{ via <a href="http://searchengineland.com/googles-knowledge-graph-ready-for-halloween-with-fun-easter-eggs-175505">Search Engine Land</a> }

Halloween Easter Eggs in Google Knowledge Graph

Google's Knowledge Graph cards for searches like [ zombie ], [ mummy ], [ skeleton ], [ witch ], [ vampire ] or [ ghost ] include some E...

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Google Shows 3D Models for Chemical Compounds

If you search Google for a chemical compound like <a href="http://www.google.com/search?q=carbon+dioxide">carbon dioxide</a>, <a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=sulfuric+acid">sulfuric acid</a>, <a href="http://www.google.com/search?q=glucose">glucose</a>, <a href="http://www.google.com/search?q=ethylene+glycol">ethylene glycol</a>, <a href="http://www.google.com/search?q=ethyl+acetate">ethyl acetate</a>, you'll notice that the Knowledge Graph box includes an image with the "3D" icon. Click the first thumbnail and you'll get an animated 3D model of the compound.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvAVJWvSPOTh6-kdC8hgr7Auawaxj_dHfTzqFNifCOtGtaQhPnZdKAT-SDESaYaW3p3JAAUyL9BFeme4wegh-OVbCkyEe2rs_C9Ial9ML_LpJSne3Aa7hlGOsnxWN01d8F4WC5Yn-gcLHn/s640/google-co2.png" /></div><br />Google uses the player from the <a href="http://googleblog.blogspot.com/2012/11/deck-halls-with-tools-for-shopping.html">Google Shopping 360° Product Images</a> feature. Here's <a href="https://www.google.com/o3d/shopping/viewer/360?q=5CUcB3RxwGo">a direct link to the player</a>.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvx4oNuq0GWNpx0DGK0P6OXY73641RRT83hXtk7PD7fKcNW3YyPyynW6AsOt32UHScshMSl7nhgfQE4E0fDfdw6_S-8oJ7qfHhdG99xr5lnF3rIz_xZlsR-CptWUg9vJtLeMKb4uCx_cvg/s640/google-co2-3d.png" /></div><br />This is a much more complex compound:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBpRLLkowqajOmkOM5TMZI0t7aidfcNuEXlRG53RShJCdqXp81irC5GSp-9_5mNIBOoDK4UrC-vV8AVBfL_luBY9T_Y9yIumapjf34xFTpuYQUmjuDMgoJoocSLe9k7XFSrM3rGLZDKhL-/s640/google-glucose-3d.png" /></div><br />{ Thanks, James Sacuan. }

Google Shows 3D Models for Chemical Compounds

If you search Google for a chemical compound like carbon dioxide , sulfuric acid , glucose , ethylene glycol , ethyl acetate , you'll no...

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Google's Knowledge Graph Card Shows TV Episodes

When you search for a TV show from the US, Google's Knowledge Graph card now shows the latest episodes. "For example, say that you're wondering when the next season of The Walking Dead starts. Try searching for [<a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=the+walking+dead+tv+show">the walking dead tv show</a>] and you'll see all episodes listed along with their air dates," <a href="https://plus.google.com/+google/posts/daesUmX45NG">explains Google</a>.<br /><br />I've searched for [<a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=breaking+bad">Breaking Bad</a>], [<a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=senifeld">Seinfeld</a>], [<a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=dexter">Dexter</a>], [<a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=modern+family">Modern Family</a>] and the results are pretty good. Unfortunately, when you click on the episode title, Google displays a card that doesn't provide a lot of useful information. It's just the first paragraph from the corresponding Wikipedia article. Here's an example: "<i>'Problem Dog' is the seventh episode of the fourth season of the American television drama series Breaking Bad, and the 40th overall episode of the series. It originally aired on AMC in the United States on August 28, 2011.</i>" Google should use the plot summaries from IMDb.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBwlWzFZRPB-jV0lz8vZbZWDGeFb0GybUEffyXdw_P1e8QvFU2QG0C3i1txWswWa6uU5E3Vl4518yxyobnm0dLm1mcDa-KtTOPU5JRXGsb3sPH_gib8WBxvOGgugq_olG-qZdQkiBn2HgK/s640/breaking-bad-episodes.png" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit_MhyJYmoAQzSzuV3Wnbdgc1k8dv8S0RRojtZrOG-eZ64E-4lEpX8rd6upbrTegkZmNRllDb3DnObngjrfOmVOodlX49Rr-KVgqs39Qc5RZQjn9ILgx1IoGJ_sH9BJ8CpTYSjXezR_lpg/s640/breaking-bad-episodes-2.png" /></div>

Google's Knowledge Graph Card Shows TV Episodes

When you search for a TV show from the US, Google's Knowledge Graph card now shows the latest episodes. "For example, say that you...

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Google Now Updates for Notable People

After adding support for reminders about <a href="http://googlesystem.blogspot.com/2013/08/knowledge-graph-reminders.html">the latest releases</a> from your favorite music artists and actors, Google Now lets you subscribe to updates when you search for notable people. Just click "Keep me updated" in the Knowledge Graph card from Google's search results page and you'll get the latest news articles about that person in Google Now.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8CnsPVmgH-5oLHvFdJy8swLaeWQQEvqj2rPLSnZzC66y-RB4-eTIhUfQBH1e0RSEYUjzTRYoHaWvRqyJZIp7qA97u2UjpTsn89BrHTJEqhERpkW34PCzt1JOBQyUEGnATcDnpdxzPZ0y3/s640/google-now-updates-notable-people.png" /></div><br /><a href="http://www.google.com/landing/now/">Google Now</a> also shows cards for "breaking news and other developing stories you may be interested in", based on your web history.<br /><br />It's not clear if the new updates feature will replace the reminders feature. Right now, a search for [U2] shows "Remind you about new releases", while a search for [Madonna] shows "Get updates about Madonna".<br /><br />"Keeping up with the latest information about your favorite musicians, movie stars and other notable people just got easier thanks to the Knowledge Graph and Google Now," <a href="https://plus.google.com/116899029375914044550/posts/CyTj5DjRh66">informs Google</a>. "Say that you're a Lady Gaga fan and like staying informed about her latest album releases. On the Google Search App, search for [lady gaga]. On the card that pops up, tap 'Remind you about new releases?' and Google Now will keep you updated on your phone or tablet. Similarly, use Google Now to stay in the know about your favorite athletes. For example, search for [colin kaepernick] and tap 'Get updates about Colin Kaepernick' on his card; doing so lets Google Now know that you'd like to receive news. Remember that to use this feature, you'll need to be signed into your Google account on the Google Search App." <br /><br />Well, I don't see 'Remind you about new releases?' when searching for [Lady Gaga].<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCQNkTpgidAIUgKSVieIXcmktASIxzvhSyJmjLkQ3CWJ3dUi2Q695sYouF_bjOZKc2Q0jCt2OTHWPAtNNOZogMBu6xW9jJs5sPzhTk7nWVRAg12JxJatblT8WUIk2gpnNEo6lLueDUDRXq/s640/google-now-updates-notable-people-2.png" /></div>

Google Now Updates for Notable People

After adding support for reminders about the latest releases from your favorite music artists and actors, Google Now lets you subscribe to ...

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