The Biz

As with most Internet entrepreneurs, I have a morning routine where I scan several websites to see if and who is writing about us, either through online news outlets or on their blogs. This routine helps me to understand how people are perceiving our brand and also makes me aware of any feedback that needs addressing.

Today, I noticed something different. Google provided three new option for users to read the news. There's 'Standard Version', 'Text Version' and 'Image Version'. Let's take a look at each one.

Google News Standard Version

You'll likely be familiar with the Standard Version as it's the classic Google look, with blended results including text and images.

Google News Text Version

Ideal for handheld devices and now, the iPhone, Text Version displays the news results as only text with hyperlinks. Visually, I could scan the page more quickly and not be distracted with images. For research, Text Version is superior.

Google News Image Version

For a different user experience, try Google News Image Version. Images embedded in the press release are cropped to the standard 100 x 100 pixels with the source of the press release listed below the image, much like a caption.

Even more impressive is the use of AJAX technology to "scroll and read" the headline and summary from the press release associated with the image. There is a purposeful delay after hovering over an image before revealing the headline in the sidebar, which felt good.

Where's the Google News Video Version?

With these new developments, it's not hard to imagine a Video Version of Google news, with 2-5 minute clips of leading news outlets such as CNN, MSNBC, ABC, CBS, FOX News and others. Perhaps they could use the editing skills of the masses at YouTube or allow major news outlets direct access to Google News Video Version.

If you have seen the new Google News versions, add you comments below and say what you liked or disliked about the developments.

Best,

David