Google Images gets a new look

Learn more about Google Images' new look in an article and slide show from PC Magazine OR check out the new look for yourself. Makes me think a bit of CoolIris and I predict students will like more images in the same space.

I'm generally positive about the Google Images change, though I can't say the same for Google News. I really miss the categories and mix of content that used to be there -- now Google News just seems to be a list of the most "popular" stories (and truly, how many stories about Lindsey Lohan does one need to see?). Yes, I know that I could build a custom filter, but I prefer to scan the news with the hope that I might serendipitously come across a story or two of interest (not unlike the "olden" days of turning paper newspaper pages...). What do others think? Have you set a custom filter? What site do you suggest instead of Google News to get a quick overview?

Another cool image tool from Google

Take a look at Google Image Swirl

When you type a query, you get a visualization of about a dozen results. Click on any of those and you get more in that category of results. At this point, it seems to work best with everyday objects and art work. You can narrow your results by clicking on "Find similar images".

Find out more at the Google Blog.