Evolution of search features
Yahoo released Panama, its updated sponsored search platform, in 2007.[14] The platform introduced ad matching based on a mix of bid prices, ad quality, and relevance to the user.[15] Also in 2007, Yahoo released OneSearch, its Internet search system for mobile phones.[16] Yahoo used Novarra's mobile content transcoding service for OneSearch.[17]
In October 2007, Yahoo Search added Search Assist, which provided real-time query suggestions and related concepts as queries were typed.[18] The site also added search for audio, video, and photos.[19] Yahoo began piloting Search Shortcuts, which highlighted key information like ratings and reviews and official sites in search results.[20] Yahoo Shortcuts, a separate tool, launched in December 2007 as a plugin to add contextual links and freely licensed Flickr photos to content on WordPress sites quickly.[21]
In May 2008, Yahoo introduced SearchScan, a feature to alert search users of viruses, spyware and spam websites,[22] with support from McAfee SiteAdvisor technology.[23] That same month, Yahoo piloted a new search interface called Yahoo Glue, displaying different kinds of search results (e.g., photos and videos, in addition to hyperlinks) together on the same page.[24] Yahoo Glue expanded to the US that November.[25]
In July 2008, Yahoo Search introduced Yahoo Search BOSS ("Build your Own Search Service"). This service allows developers to use Yahoo's system for indexing information and images and create custom search engines.[26]
Yahoo introduced Search Direct, which suggests results as the user types, in March 2011.[27] The function aims to answer user questions without loading a new page.[28] In 2012, the company released Yahoo Axis, a iOS app and desktop browser extension to provide a streamlined search experience.[29] Axis displayed search results as visual snapshots in a horizontal carousel, allowing users to preview pages without leaving the results page.[30] It was sunset in June 2013.[31]
Yahoo published Aviate, its search application for Android devices, in June 2014.[32] The app was updated with browser-less search six months later.[33]
