Earlier this year Google Labs rolled out some new experimental search features like keyboard shortcuts and alternate views for search results, however, when they first launched, the new features were only available through the Google Labs interface. Thankfully, Google has now made it possible to join the various experiments and use them on the normal Google Search homepage.
To join an experiment just head over to the Google Labs page and select which features you'd like to use. Regrettably it's only possible to add one feature at a time, but that's still better than visiting the Labs page every time you want to search.
Personally I'm a keyboard junky so the very GMail-like keyboard shortcuts are now enabled on my Google Search page, which means I can click through to returned search results without taking my hands off the keyboard — a great time saver. The only drawback is that the first “selected” link is invariably the ad, but it still beats reaching for the trackpad or mouse.
Other options include right and left hand navigation menus and alternate search views (the latter can also be triggered by using some search operator keywords). For more details on how each of the experiments works, check out our earlier reviews (listed below) or just try them out for yourself.
[via Google Operating System]
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