Google Correlate: Are You a Data Geek?

What is Google Correlate, you ask? I first heard of Google Correlate while listening to a TWIG (This Week in Google) podcast. This Google Lab finds search patterns which correspond with real-world trends and data.

Released late last month, Google Correlate allows you to compare time series affording you with the ability to see the popularity of many search terms and how they vary over time. It also allows you to compare search terms across the United States.



To my fellow data geeks, you can find statistical similarities between related terms, by way of line charts and scatter plots. Or even perhaps benefit from using it as a tool for keyword research. This is a neat Google lab to have fun with - enjoy!

The Duel of Google + 1 and Facebook Like Button

Beginning today, search users can opt into the new Google Lab experiment, Google +1. Similar to the Facebook Like button, by selecting the +1 button, you give something your public affirmation. Google further explains, “Your +1's are public. They can appear in Google search results, on ads, and sites across the web. You'll always be able to see your own +1's in a new tab on your Google Profile, and if you want, you can share this tab with the world. It may take a while before you see the button in search results, and it may occasionally disappear as we make improvements.”

This is Google’s attempt to making itself more social. In essence, you are vouching to others something is worth checking out. I too joined the experiment today to learn more. I’m curious to see if this even stands a chance competing against the Facebook Like button. Hopefully it doesn’t turn into an experiment like Google Buzz. Let the duel begin!

Customizing Your Reader “Playlist”

Google recently launched within their Google Labs a new feature, “Google Reader Play.” Have you checked it out? I briefly tried it out and boy is it different from the standard Google Reader. The feature is intended to be a more visual or entertainment browser – giving a new and interesting way to browse stuff.

It is based with a black backdrop and comes with some popular features such as “like” and “share.” Although it looks pretty neat and I always like exploring new concepts – I’m not sure if this fits my browsing tastes. Now of course this will depend on how you enjoy learning as an individual, perhaps you are more auditory than visual etc.

At First Glance
A lot of what is being served to me appears as jokes or comedic… not too much meaty news and information.

There tends to be more viewing of photos/images as opposed to reading. But aside from the random images (it was pretty neat to see IKEA furniture displays in a subway of Paris) there wasn’t much substance. Maybe it was just the images I happened to be served?

Taking this into account, I didn’t see a way or at least an easy way [if hidden] to dislike what appeared. I guess I grew accustomed to seeing likes/thumps up next to dislikes/thumps down. But this didn’t really matter too much when on the slideshow option as the slides just came so fast you didn’t have much time to digest what you saw/read.

Conclusion
As always, Google reveals a range of different tools that are meant to be helpful for an assortment of people. I definitely recommend checking out Google Reader Play. However, I do think this browsing method will be an acquired taste as it works outside of the norm.