Google Launches Custom Search Engine Tool
This takes the DIY trend to a whole new level. With the release of a new feature called Google Co-op, the power to create personalized search engines that address specific topics, search only certain sites and match the style of your blog or webpage is here. I tried creating my own "tech & gadget" search engine this morning, and through using the idiot-proof wizard to supply keywords and preferred website information, my search queries cleary yielded more accurate results. Though not quite as exciting as the Google Maps for Mobiles update earlier this month, Google Co-op has a ridiculous variety of applications and will be a great tool for the tech-savvy and everday user alike. Create Your Own Search Engine
More screenshots and word from the Google developers after the jump...
Subscribed Links for Businesses in Real-Time
Assist Other Users in Refining their Search
"Wouldn't it be cool if you could easily build a search engine on your blog or website tailored to the topics and areas you know and love the most? You're not alone if you'd like that — we've heard from partners large and small, and users across the web who want access to the Google search platform, and want to customize and make it their own.
We're thrilled to tell you that the search for your own search engine is over. Today we are launching the Google Custom Search Engine. As you might imagine, it's a simple and straightforward product to use and understand. In a matter of minutes you can create a search engine that reflects your knowledge and interests; looks and feels like your own; and, if you choose, you can make money from the traffic you receive through Google's AdSense program. You can even invite your friends and trusted community members to add to and help build your search engine.
Finding specific information has never been so easy, and there's no programming knowledge or cost involved. We worked with a few initial partners to demonstrate the power of the customization features. Check out the search engine RealClimate.org built to better connect their users to the environmental science information they are looking for. Intuit created a search engine for their JumpUp.com site, finding that it met the needs of their small business customers. But the Custom Search Engine is not just for businesses. Since Shashi is passionate about wine, he created a "wine search engine" and put it on his wine blog so his friends can search for wine-related topics from there.
You can build a Custom Search Engine on any topic you like. Give it a try."
"Eureka! Your Own Search Engine Has Landed!" [Google Blog]