Andreas Pizsa has created an impressive, although unofficial, Google add-on that changes the way Google result pages appear to users who install it. The utility, called MoreGoogle, adds new features to Google SERPs in an effort to improve user experience.
The MoreGoogle utility is in no way affiliated with the Google company. Andreas designed and built the add on himself. Some of the features of the program include thumbnails of sites appearing in the SERPs, an open in a new window button, which allows users to open a site on the result pages in a new browser window, and site ranking indicators.
In order to experience MoreGoogle, users must download and install the program, which is only a 300k file. Once installed, you are set up to use MoreGoogle, and this is where the fun begins. MoreGoogle works upon installation. You do not have to “tell” it to alter Google’s SERPs, it does that automatically.
Once a keyword is searched on Google, MoreGoogle takes over. Results pages which once featured text-style results will feature thumbnails of the site, along with new window button next to the site link. Essentially, MoreGoogle hijacks the standard Google result page and adds its features, displaying them for all who installed the program to see.
Not only is MoreGoogle a very bold move by an innovative programmer, but the about page for utility has some very interesting statements concerning the program:
“Google Inc. has nothing to do with MoreGoogle; they probably don’t even know this site exists.”
“I am an independent company/individual and participate in Google’s AdSense advertising program. Other than that, I have no relationship with Google (other than being a Google fan 🙂 )”
The most interesting statement comes from Pizsa’s idea for generating income:
“When you install MoreGoogle, you donate a small portion of the ads in your browser’s window to MoreGoogle (this does not include sponsored links on Google). From time to time, MoreGoogle uses this donated space to display its own advertising. It does not do popups, pop-unders or other intrusive techniques.”
That first sentence in and of itself gives me reason to pause. How does MoreGoogle’s creator assume to collect these small portions. Is this a process of deflecting/hijacking an ad click-thru? However Pizsa plans on collecting “donated” ad revenue will be an interesting venture.
One thing that MoreGoogle is vehement about is NOT being a spyware program. This is mentioned more than once on MoreGoogle’s about page. “No, MoreGoogle is not spyware. I share and am commited (sic) to Google’s opinion on Deceptive Internet Software.”
Although this may be a short-lived project, one must admire the audacity of such a program. But the hijacking of Google’s search results is probably not going to sit well with the company. Also, having “Powered by MoreGoogle” on the bottom of these altered search results was probably the most foolhardy move I have seen concerning the alteration of Google’s search.
Good luck Andreas. Maybe Google will give you a job for your ingenuity.
Chris Richardson is a search engine writer and editor for Murdok. Visit Murdok for the latest search news.
