1. Google Search updates ‘Top stories’ with new grid design, organization on desktop web
Google’s “Top stories” carousel on the desktop website has been revamped with a new grid-based organization structure. Instead of “Top stories” being shown as a list or carousel, Google now makes use of a grid. [Source: 9To5Google]
2. Meta opens up access to its VR social platform Horizon Worlds
Meta is finally opening up access to its VR social platform Horizon Worlds. Starting Thursday, people in the US and Canada who are 18 and up will be able to access the free Quest app without an invite. [Source: The Verge]
3. Bing now lets you search local stores
Microsoft Bing now lets you search local stores using map search for local inventory, or to buy online or pick up in the store. The company confirmed that these features are indeed new and not being re-announced for the holiday shopping season. [Source: Search Engine Land]
4. Google Is Creating A New Core Web Vitals Metric
In a recent HTTPArchive Almanac article about CMS use worldwide, the author mentioned that all platforms score great on the First Input Delay (FID), a Core Web Vitals metric and that Google is working on a new metric, which one might presume may replace First Input Delay (FID). [Source: Search Engine Journal]
5. Ads Creative Studio’s Asset Library is coming to Google Ads
Advertisers have reported a new Asset Library within Google Ads. Asset Library, as it exists in Ads Creative Studio, is coming into Google Ads. The Asset Library will display any existing image assets the advertiser has in their account. From this view, advertisers can choose to search among existing assets or create new assets. [Source: Search Engine Land]
6. Google Shares Top Search Trends of 2021
Google has published its annual overview of key search trends and themes of the year, which provides a somewhat dizzying reminder of all the things that have happened in 2021 – which really feels like it’s only lasted for a few months. [Source: Social Media Today]
7. Pinterest invests in creator tools with acquisition of video creation and editing app Vochi
Pinterest is further investing in creator tools and video with the news that it has acquired the video creation and editing app Vochi for an undisclosed sum. The company will be bringing in both the IP at Vochi and its 40-person team, including its founders, to expand Pinterest’s set of video creation tools and to help its creators make more dynamic videos. [Source: TechCrunch]
8. Google rolling out new map and local interface in search
Google is rolling out a new local pack and map design in the Google Search results. The new design moves the map to the right side of the local search results, often called a “local pack,” for the desktop search results. [Source: Search Engine Land]
9. Facebook Launches ‘Professional Profiles’ to Help More Creators Maximize their Presence
Facebook’s making a push to facilitate more opportunity for creators in its app, with new ‘Professional Mode for Profiles’ to welcome new creators in, and updates for Creator Pages. [Source: Social Media Today]
10. Google Ads Image Extensions Come To Desktop & More
Google announced that image extensions for Google Ads is rolling out to desktop ads now. Note, it launched for mobile search ads in May 2021. Also, Google Ads image extensions now supports dynamic image extensions for any language and you can use stock images as well for these image ad extensions. [Source: Search Engine Roundtable]
