Google Adds Search Previews

In an effort to speed up and streamline the Internet search process, Google has added a new feature it calls Instant Previews. If you’re the type that hates committing to a search result only to find out that it’s an absolute garbage site, this one’s for you. A new magnifying glass icon next to each search result gives you the ability to view a snapshot of the page, allowing you to size it up without actually having to navigate to it. You can even take advantage of Instant Previews without a mouse, navigating down with the down arrow and right with the right arrow.

Searchers can now quickly compare result pages, find their search terms highlighted directly on a given result page and see what features the result page has to offer–all without leaving the original search. It’s not a huge deal–Google states that Instant Previews have boosted searcher satisfaction by 5 percent–but it’s just a little extra to help make searching quicker and easier.

Instant Previews will be rolling out over the next few days. For more of the ins and outs, take a look at Google’s blog post.