The future of Google Search: Thinking outside the box

[JMH]

The world's most popular search engine is trying to become more intelligent.

Last month Google announced the introduction of the Knowledge Graph in the US - an effort to improve its results by teaching its servers to understand what the words typed into its search boxes mean, and how they relate to other concepts.

It marks a big bet by the firm's head of search, Amit Singhal, who discussed the move with the BBC.

In the past search engines haven't really known what words mean, how are you trying to change that with artificial intelligence? We had already done a lot of wizardry to give you relevant text, images and video in one simple interface, but computers still didn't understand that the Taj Mahal is a beautiful monument. Or it can be a Grammy-winning artist. Or it can even be casino in Atlantic City, New Jersey. And depending on if you are feeling hungry, it could also be a neighbourhood restaurant.

Mr Singhal revamped Google's search algorithm in 2001 and was put in charge of the feature

To human beings that's just intuitive.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-18327263