Google is testing out a new search feature among a select group of users.

The feature provides search results while typing, taking its autocomplete suggestions one step further.

Google has long provided suggestions while typing in the search box, but this apparently experimental feature was first noticed by a UK search engine optimisation blogger who posted a video of his experience online.

Rob Ousbey blogged: "This evening, I spotted that you don't even need to hit the 'Search' button anymore - Google updates the results for you while you're typing."

Ousbey uploaded a video of the feature in action, and it shows search results changing dynamically as he types new words into the search box. We've tried to see if we can replicate this, but the trial is apparently limited to occasional users.

It is both fast and impressive though, and as Ousbey said, "It's a testament to the speed of not just Google, but also broadband internet and web browsers!"

We asked Google for more information on the apparent trial and a spokesperson said: "At any given time we are running between 50-200 search experiments."

24 Aug 2010