Google Hummingbird algorithm: major features.
Google recently released its new algorithm for search which called Hummingbird. Hummingbird is the biggest updates of the Google algorithm since 2010 (Caffeine algorithm). Google claims that search now can be done in a more human way to interact with users and provide better results. Google started using Hummingbird since 30 August 2013, but they announced the change on September 26.
Hummingbird is a step towards the algorithm becoming artificially intelligent.
The aim of the algorithm is to provide a more precise and accurate search result. With this new algorithm system, one gets a result from search with better relevance according to one’s intended search. The algorithm uses a Knowledge Graph with encyclopedia support to provide results that will include other info which is relevant to your search. Hummingbird provides better quality search results by addressing the longer conversational search phrases known as semantic search. It focuses more on understanding the intent of your search while considering each word used in your search phrases making sure that the search engine considers the entire concept of your search query. It is using long-tail keywords and phrases to provide an integrated result that will meet the intent of the search.
In other words the algorithm retrieves information based on the meaning of the search as opposed to matching the content against the search term. Google’s aim is to index all content based on semantics and it will continue to improve in this regard.
For instance, the context of the searcher can include variables such as the device a user is searching from, the time the search was made (local) and/or the frequency of similar searches from the same device, allowing Google to understand more about the search habits of that user. With a better understanding of searchers, Google can make better judgements about search intent and improve the content served from the index.
What is the Knowledge Graph?
The Google’s Knowledge Graph uses the ability to pull real-time answers to queries that understand the specific context of the query. Language can be ambiguous—do you mean Rio the city, the movie, or the casino? With the Knowledge Graph, Google can understand the difference, helping you more precisely express what you mean as you enter your search.
The Knowledge Graph has accepted some forms of conversational queries for a while, but a big part of Hummingbird was about expanding this capability to the rest of Google search.
So the Knowledge Graph is a knowledge base used by Google to enhance its search engine's search results with semantic-search information gathered from a wide variety of sources. The Knowledge Graph provides structured and detailed information about the topic in addition to a list of links to other sites. The goal is that users would be able to use this information to resolve their query without having to navigate to other sites and assemble the information themselves.
