According to various sources Google is readying a new look for its News service, offering a visual look at the headlines.

Screenshots surfacing on the web show an alternative display on the Google News pages displaying the news much like it does images, for example screenshots show thumbnail versions of the news pages in question rather than a list of links and short description.

A search for 'Flipper' on the Google Labs pages returns no results, however screenshots of the service, as well as hints as to what it hopes to achieve, have appeared on the internet suggesting that a beta release cannot be far behind.

The name Flipper can be traced back to the idea that the user is able to 'flip' through news, a method of selecting search options that far exceeds the capabilities of currently available filters. Sadly it has nothing to do with dolphins.

As a plus this means that you will be able to search for tuna-based products in an entirely guilt-free manner.

19 Jun 2009