Google in 2009 and 2010

Google in 2009 and 2010

It’s fair to say that we have all noticed some rapid changes within Google throughout the last few months, and during 2009. With so many advancements you would be excused for having missed a few, so here is our summary of some of the biggest introductions, in our opinion, that Google made in 2009; and a few things to look out for in 2010.

In 2009 Google launched its own browser, Google Chrome. The browser incorporates your existing Google accounts, pre-empting the URL’s that you want to navigate to. Some of its other features included increased security, individual browser process, preventing you entire browser from crashing and faster browsing.



The browser has simplistic design and industry research shows that 12.3% of internet users have migrated across to Chrome.

As well as this 2009 saw the long anticipated arrival of Google Wave, the real time collaboration tool was initially tested by a group of web developers, and soon saw a huge amount of interest due to its exclusivity and restricted access. Although after this initial surge in interest and request for invites, Google Wave seems to have lost some of its notoriety, and it will be interesting to monitor how the uses of this online tool progresses in 2010.Will this be another Google tool that falls by the way side?

One of the other introductions that Google made in 2009 was the Google Image Swirl tool:

The tool allows you to input a search term and then ‘travel’ using different images throughout the wheels. This tool is very similar to the Wonder Wheel tool which works in a similar manner, using terms instead of pictures. Over the previous few months we have been incorporating these tools into our SEO strategies, and it will be interesting to see how their uses evolve, whether by everyday internet users, of industry professional.

It’s fair to say that our list is a very brief summary of the introductions Google made in 2009, and some of the many more include real time search as well as Google favourite places. If you have any further key advancements that you think we might have missed then let us know.

Google in 2010
Moving even further into 2010, what have we seen change already, and what can we expect for the rest of the year? It seems the rate that Google is evolving and introducing even more additions and changes is increasing at a speed of knots. It’s hard for us to stay up to date, and we’re in the industry! Here are just a few that have caught our attention and we have started to incorporate within our day to day work.

Google Caffeine, the much talked about Google upgrade, set to improve the search speed of your Google results, as well as their relevance and accuracy. With Google results routed through a number of data centres chosen to give the searcher the most accurate and comprehensive results in the shortest amount of time. Currently being tested initial results are a good indicator that this update could really live up to the hype.

As well as this we have noticed some changes within both Adwords and Analytics over the last month. One of the biggest downfalls of Google Analytics was that goal results were based upon ‘last click wins’, but 2010 has seen Google introduce search funnels into Adwords, indicating repeated clicks on certain ads by the same user. Though it’s not a perfect reporting tool and not on a level with some of the paid for data analysis programmes, it’s an important move and good to see that Google have recognised the need to improve the clarity of its data.

We have also noticed some changes within the usability and capabilities available to PPC clients. These now include the ability to integrate local listings within your PPC ads as well as also incorporating shopping listings and site links.


As well as these some other additions in 2010 include the continued roll out of Google Street view and the new introductions of Google Snowmobile. 2010 has also seen new ad planner usability tools and will soon see the long anticipated release of the Google phone.

With so many changes happening in such quick succession its shows how it’s becoming increasingly important to keep up with Google and its moves. Many people have discussed if even Google itself knows what its future will be but one things for sure; you have to watch Google closely to ensure you’re getting the best exposure for your website.