Google launches Gboard
Google has announced a surprise new iOS keyboard app named Gboard that allows users to search directly from their keyboard – without ever having to leave the app they’re using. For example, iMessage users can quickly search for information to send in a message, or use search terms to find emoji and GIFs without having to scroll through the whole selection. The app is available for free, but Google insists that it has “No current plans” to incorporate ads into the experience – despite the obvious potential to effectively insert Google ads into every app on a user’s device.
Mobile-friendly update rolls out
Google has finished the release of an update to its mobile-friendly algorithm, designed to “increase the effect of the [mobile-friendly] ranking signal.” Google Webmaster Trends Analyst John Mueller announced the rollout on Twitter, which has been in progress for some time. It looks like there’s no real change to the existing mobile-friendly criteria – and Google reassures webmasters that sites that are already mobile-friendly will see no negative effects – but it will add further pressure to webmasters to make sure every site is built with mobile in mind.
Google Images gets ads
It’s taken a while, but the first ads have now officially rolled out on Google Images. The ads have been appearing in tests since last year, but were officially rolled out this Monday, displaying Product Listing Ads. Image search is considered part of the broader Google Search Network, so as long as your Shopping campaign is opted in to Search partners, your ads will be eligible to display in Images.