For those who are unfamiliar with SearchMash, it is Google’s small, relatively unknown alternative search engine. The search giant uses this site as a testing ground for different ways to present search results, and to present an environment distinct from the familiar Google homepage.
Recently, SearchMash has been made available in a slick Flash version with Web site previews courtesy of Snap.com. While Snap.com previews usually pop up on sites that utilize its Snap Shots function, the previews are visible in a static panel on the right-hand side of the SearchMash page, which makes for a less intrusive previewing experience. According to TechCrunch, about two million sites utilize Snap.com’s Snap Shots.
Google seems to be growing more open to the idea of tweaking its tried-and-true search results page format, and this version of SearchMash may be a glimpse into what it has in mind. It would be surprising to see Google ditch the faster Ajax in favor of the slower Flash format, but a preview pane like the one Snap.com is providing on SearchMash seems to be more viable.
Sources:
http://www.webpronews.com/topnews/2007/10/29/google-
searchmash-partner-with-snap
http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/10/25/googles-searchmash
-adds-snap-shot-previews-but-why-is-it-in-flash/
http://www.searchmash.com/flash/search/#home
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