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Published by: Jason Ciment 05-25-2012  |  POSTED IN: Free Fridays

A First Look At Yahoo! Axis

 
This week, Yahoo released their brand new web browser extension and, short of some hiccups, has already received rave reviews. Does it live up to the hype? We took a first look and made a list of our own personal thoughts as well as what this new browser might change about web design.
 
Yahoo installs its toolbar and app faster than any browser we've worked with. Yahoo knows its got an image to improve, and they know that speed and efficiency is the way to do it. Once you've downloaded the toolbar chrome extension and logged in (not to mention dust off the old Yahoo username) you're ready to go. Allowing users to still use chrome with an Yahoo toolbar was a genius move, as it gives users what they've always wanted: variety. Not to mention that having toolbar results keep you from having to lose your place in another page, but we'll get to that more later. Once you type in a search term, Yahoo's interpretation of your search intent pops up with image based shots of relevant sites. 
 
Using images of sites instead of oftentimes deceptive text links is where Axis shines, and it will no doubt be something we see a lot more of with other browsers. It also makes it a perfect browser tool for mobile users, as it makes familiar and relevant sites so much easier to access. Once you find page you like, you can either bookmark it, or, and this is where it gets interesting, save it for later. This solves the problem so many users have of wanting new material without losing their place in a different page. If you see a page you like in the toolbar, but want to stay on a different page, all you need to do is save it for later and Yahoo will place it safe with a record of when you saved it. Bookmarking is remarkably easier as well with their toolbar, and for the first time you can differentiate between sites I want to see soon versus sites I want to see always. 
 
With Axis, you can also link your search results in between your mobile phone, tablet, and desktop, making it a seamless transition from one device to another. This makes it a nifty tool made especially for mobile searches, and iPhone and iPad users should take to it well. 
 
However, Yahoo's Axis is not without its concerns. Granted, being brand new it can be considered almost a placeholder for what it will be, yet there is more we could use with it. In some places, its almost too simple. For example, when you search for a term, only the ability to filter your search as "images" or "web" shows up. Google has an array of filters a user can choose from, and hopefully Axis will add more as time moves on. Also, only time will tell if Yahoo's search results on par with Google's. If Axis proves to be a reliable search tool, it doesn't seem like much can get in its way of cornering the mobile search engine market. Well, except Yahoo itself. 
 
What does this mean for online companies? While they're not yet featured, image and video based ads will most likely be a huge part of Axis advertising. Also, if Axis catches on like its aiming to, web design will become a major factor in chosen search results. Users will be able to choose a book for its cover, and any company without a great cover could see it self losing the race. Axis can be a great tool for online companies, so don't delay on jumping on this bandwagon. 
 
Thanks for reading. Jason.
P.S. Don't forget to subscribe below to this blog.
 
About Jason Ciment
Formerly an attorney and CPA, Jason has been working online since 1997. His columns on affiliate marketing can still be found on www.Clickz.com and his book on search engine optimization can be found at www.seotimetable.com.

This blog is published 4x per week and covers website design and SEO tips as well as a wide range of tips and advice for working and living online more efficiently and enjoyably.
 

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