Yahoo!'s new search engine promises more relevant answers to queries, integrating audio, video and photos into its results pages. It also features a new search assistant, which makes suggestions if it detects that a user is having trouble phrasing a search.
The move marks an effort to step up to rivals Google, Microsoft and Ask, which have all launched major search upgrades this year. Google announced Universal Search in May, integrating results from its Books, Images, Local, News and Video search engines into its main results.
Meanwhile Ask revamped its search engine in June, with improved context in its results, and images, video and locally relevant items. Last week, Microsoft unveiled its new Live Search, with a larger index of web sites and specialised content.
The improvements come as Yahoo’s new executive team aims to boost flagging morale in the Silicon Valley-based firm. According to blog reports, Jerry Yang, who replaced chief executive Terry Semel in June, and Sue Decker, who was promoted to president at the same time, ran a motivational day for 300 Yahoo! vice presidents at its Sunnydale headquarters.
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