Google unveils Universal Search

Google has unveiled its new Universal Search concept today.

The search giant aims to show results of webpages, news, videos and images all on one page. The project has been rolled out today but it will take a while until it will be available for every search query.

Over several years, with the help of more than 100 people, we've built the infrastructure, search algorithms, and presentation mechanisms to provide what we see as just the first step in the evolution toward universal search. Today, we're making that first step available on google.com by launching the new architecture and using it to blend content from Images, Maps, Books, Video, and News into our web results.

With universal search, we're attempting to break down the walls that traditionally separated our various search properties and integrate the vast amounts of information available into one simple set of search results.

Google is also experimenting with new ways to make its navigation better:

These include contextual navigation links above the search results that help users "drill down" to specific types of information. For instance, developers who search for [python] will see links for "web," "blogs," "books," "groups," and "code," whereas [downtown los angeles] will show a different set of links. Also, in terms of integration and navigation, today we introduced a new universal navigation bar at the top of all Google web pages to provide easier navigation to your favorite Google products, such as Gmail.

Here are a few searches which show off the new Universal Search: steve jobs, darth vader and nosferatu.