Uncover 10 Lesser-Known Google Search Features You Must Try

Ambiguous as it may be, “Google it” has evolved from a commonplace household phrase to an integral part of our everyday digital lingo. As a testament to its utility, Google’s search functionality moves far beyond its intuitive web-search capabilities, spring-boarding into numerous other applications that can serve to simplify your life. Some of these hidden gems may be news to you, but we encourage you to explore their vast potential

In the past, we’ve highlighted a range of Google Chrome shortcuts set to enhance your browsing experience. Now, let’s delve into less widely recognized Google Search features which could change the way you surf the web.

1. Specialized Website Searching: Ever wished you could bypass a site’s built-in search feature, and rely on Google’s prowess instead? Your wishes have been answered. Google Search can scour individual websites with precision. For instance, by typing site:techbooky.com followed by your search terms, Google will peruse our website on your behalf.
2. Reverse Image Search: Most of us are aware of Google’s image search function, but do you know about its ‘Reverse Image Search’ tool? Instead of using words, paste an image onto the Google Search bar and watch the magic unfurl. Roll past the image results and view the usual search results, and you’ll discover a treasure trove of information including the source of your image. This method can also be used for finding recipes related to a certain dish, and much more.
3. Autocomplete Wildcards: Google’s autocomplete feature seems basic, but under its hood lays an advanced trick. By inserting a blank in the middle of your search terms, you can unlock Google’s wildcard suggestions for a wide array of interchangeable terms. Say goodbye to stagnation in your searches and welcome a universe of possibilities!
4. Searching for Free Downloads: In need of a free Android APK? Pay attention to these search tools: inurl, intitle and filetype. By using inurl:htm/inurl:html intitle:”index of” apk, Google will display a spreadsheet rich with stored apk files you can download.
5. Discovering Alternatives: Google is renowned for product and website comparisons, but what if you’re unsure of the competitors? Simply, while searching for an alternative to iPhone 5S, jot down ‘iPhone 5S vs’, and Google will provide a list of popularly searched competitors.
6. Google Cache: Ever stumbled upon a website that is temporarily down or blocked? Google’s cache feature can become your knight in shining armor. With the simple addition of cache: before the URL, you can bypass the frustration and reach your desired content.
7. Google Proxy: Google’s potent search function can also be your gateway to bypass paywalls, tight security features, and downloading hold-ups. Unleash the power of Google Translate or Mobilizer to navigate through websites with lightning speed. Accessing this feature is as straightforward as appending the URL to the end of the Google URL like so: http://translate.google.com/translate?sl=ja&tl=en&u=http://example.com/.
8. Using Google Images to Identify People: When searching for individuals whose names coincide with common objects, results can be confusing. By simply adding &imgtype=face to the end of your search URL, Google will filter out cluttered results and prioritize images featuring faces.
9. Time-Filtered Search Results: Google already features a time-filtered result option, but for those seeking more precise results, here’s a pro tip: add &tbs=qdr: to the end of your URL and specify the time. In this code, ‘h5’ represents five hours, ‘n5’ five minutes, and ‘s5’ — five seconds. So, if you’re interested in content from the last ten minutes, append &tbs=qdr:n10 to the URL.
10. Deploying Advanced Operators: The prowess of AND or OR operators in searching multiple terms simultaneously is widely recognized. However, you may be unfamiliar with the AROUND operator. Using it in your search promises an array of results that lie halfway from or to the search term(s). For instance, AROUND(2) ensures that the two words used are closely related. Adjust the number in brackets to manipulate the correlation between keywords.

By exploring each of these Google search features, you can empower your browsing and research process, achieving results that are not only comprehensive but also fruitful and seamline. Begin incorporating those little-known features in your everyday search routine to experience Google’s true potential in action.

Source: Lifehacker