Google Is Ending an Experiment That Let You Annotate Search Results

Google has announced the discontinuation of a months-old experiment that allowed users to attach colorful notes to search results, a feature that was part of its Search Labs initiative. The company confirmed this development to 9to5Google, marking the end of an ambitious yet short-lived endeavor.

The Rise and Fall of Google Notes

The Notes experiment was introduced in November as a feature for Search Labs. It enabled users who opted in to see and add annotations, including text and images, to links in search results within the Google app. This feature was somewhat akin to X’s Community Notes, offering a unique way for users to share their insights and knowledge directly on search results. However, despite its potential, the experiment has been deemed not popular enough to justify a broader release.

A Testbed for Bold Experimentation

“Search Labs is our testbed for bold experimentation, and as we’ve shared, not all experiments will launch broadly,” Google spokesperson Ashley Thompson said in a statement to The Verge. She elaborated on the purpose of Notes, stating, “We’ve seen in our research that people want to hear from others like them, and Notes was an exploration of how to help people share their knowledge right on Search. We’re excited to continue testing new ways to connect people to authentic, relatable voices and look forward to bringing some of our learnings from Notes into future product experiences.” The same statement was shared with 9to5Google.

What’s Next for Search Labs?

The discontinuation of the Notes feature highlights the experimental nature of Search Labs, where Google tests innovative ideas that may not always make it to a full-scale launch. The “Notes on Search” section in Search Labs currently indicates that the feature “ends soon,” with an initial end date slated for May 2024. This suggests that while Notes will not continue in its current form, the insights gained from this experiment may influence future Google products.

Looking Forward

Google's decision to end the Notes experiment underscores the challenges and uncertainties inherent in developing new features. While Notes itself may not have resonated widely with users, the underlying concept of enhancing search results with user-generated content remains compelling. As Google continues to explore new ways to connect people with authentic and relatable information, we can expect to see more innovative features emerging from Search Labs in the future.

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