Google’s Latest Feature Now Allows Indian Users To Add And Read Notes On Web Pages

Google on Wednesday (November 15) rolled out ‘Notes’ in India and the United States, the tech giant’s latest feature that allows its users to annotate search results with their personal experiences and insights.

“Earlier this year we introduced Search Labs, a new way to access early experiments in Search. Today, we’re introducing a new opt-in experiment in Search Labs called Notes to help people find a wide range of perspectives on Search,” Google said in a blogpost.

In their research, Google has observed a notable interest among users in discovering insights from individuals with similar perspectives on a particular web page. The introduction of ‘Notes’ is strategically crafted to complement existing web content, introducing a fresh dimension of human insights to enhance the search experience, the tech giant said.

This experimental feature aims to provide users with valuable context about web pages, aiding them in identifying information that aligns with their needs. Additionally, it serves as a platform for users to share their expertise, contributing to a collective pool of knowledge accessible to the wider audience.

Notes is now accessible through an opt-in experiment as part of Google’s Search Labs initiative. This initiative serves as the hub for the company’s early-stage experiments within Google Search, allowing users to actively participate and engage with the latest features.

Accessible through Google’s Android and iOS apps, the Notes feature is set to debut with language support for Hindi and English in India, and English in the United States.

After opting into Notes within the Search Labs, users will notice a “Notes” button beneath search results in the Google app and on Discover articles. Tapping this button allows them to view comments from others about the webpage. When finding a helpful page, users can effortlessly create a note to share their insights. Notes can be personalised with text, stickers, and photos, with the option to choose from various visual styles for a unique touch.

This strategic move aligns with Google’s broader initiative to infuse its search engine with more human perspectives. The aim is to resonate with younger audiences who are increasingly seeking diverse and personalised information experiences on platforms such as Reddit, TikTok, and Instagram.

Earlier this year, Google introduced its generative AI capabilities to Search in India, which allows Indian users toggle between English and Hindi and listen to results. The Search ads will continue appearing in dedicated ad slots throughout the page.

During the third quarter, Google parent Alphabet saw a notable surge in net income, reaching $19.7 Bn, or $1.55 per share, a 46% year-on-year increase. The robust financial performance was driven by a revenue of $76.7 Bn, primarily fuelled by the continued growth in advertising on Google Search and YouTube.