The search overhaul would also be another hurdle for Microsoft , Google's biggest search competitor. While Bing has held steady in the search market, it hasn't been able to make much headway against Google's dominance.

"It does raise the bar for other search providers, particularly Microsoft's Bing," Olds said. "This should help Google maintain its more-than-comfortable lead over Bing."

Last fall, Google updated its , looking to make about 35% of its search results more timely.

covers the Internet and Web 2.0, emerging technologies, and desktop and laptop chips for Computerworld. Follow Sharon on Twitter at @sgaudin, on or subscribe to . Her email address is sgaudin@computerworld.com.

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