It might not be apparent to the average Google user but Google did away with its Real Time Search functionality – you might remember the automated scrolling box that appeared in Google’s results for relevant news items. You could also search under the ‘Updates‘ link on the left hand navigation bar.
Google’s Real Time Search pulled updates from Twitter, Facebook and mySpace plus a few other social platforms which it crawls vigoursly.
However, the deal Google had with Twitter expired on the 2nd of July and over the weekend Real Time Search Updates were missing from Google’s new look search interface.
What does it mean for Google and Real Time Search ?
Firstly, it’s no way a signal that Google has any intention of giving up on using realtime content within its search results as Danny Sullivan from Search Engine Land writes (opens in new tab/window) …
“Google also stressed that when Google Realtime Search relaunches — something it says will happen but with no set time frame — it will include content from a variety of sources and not just be solely devoted to Google+ material.“
Basically, Realtime Search is being rewired by Google, once they’re more than satisfied that the Google+ project is ready to be released to the public in general after the high expectations of Buzz and Wave fell flatly short.
