Forum Moderators: Robert Charlton & goodroi
"Customized based on recent search activity. More details"
The "More details" link leads to a page that reads:
When possible, Google will customize your search results based on location and/or recent search activity. Additionally, when you're signed in to your Google Account, you may see even more relevant, useful results based on your web history.
The following information was used to improve your search results for WIDGETS:
Recent Searches
You or someone else recently searched for WIDGETS using this browser. Learn more
If you're curious, you can see what a search for WIDGETS looks like without these improvements.
The "without these improvements" link then brings you to a search with the "pws=0" code included to show the un-customized results. Not sure if this means that any search where this doesn't show up is not customized or if they're just letting people know that what you see in the SERPS isn't always what everyone else sees.
If the search results are customized by geo-location, then the "More details" page gives you a chance to correct the location Google used -- just in case they got it wrong. And naturally, using search history to customize results can only happen if you are logged in.
"And naturally, using search history to customize results can only happen if you are logged in."
That's not true from what I've seen, even in this case there are two different messages depending on whether you're logged in or not. If you are logged in you see:
"Personalized based on your web history. More details"
But I got the "Customized based on recent search activity. More details" message while I was logged out. Obviously when you're logged in the results are changed quite a bit, but while you're not logged in the results are still customized, just not as much.
But I got the "Customized based on recent search activity. More details" message while I was logged out.
True. Ususally IP and/or cookie is enough for the personalization.
but while you're not logged in the results are still customized, just not as much.
Boy, I hope not. I manage several client Google accounts.
I had been logged in for some of the time while I was searching, but logged out about an hour earlier.
After a few more searches, I noticed the message just above the (right hand) side of the blue bar where the number of results and time it took to find them appears):
"Customized for Boston metro area, US."
With a "More details" link next to it.
I clicked the More details and it produced a page which read:
"When possible, Google will customize your search results based on location and/or recent search activity. Additionally, when you're signed in to your Google Account, you may see even more relevant, useful results based on your web history.The following information was used to improve your search results for [company I searched for]:
Location
Your approximate location has been identified as Boston metro area, US.
Based on your IP address: ##.##.###.### [link: What's this?]
Sign in to use a specific location.
I was NOT logged into Google when this appeared, so it appears they track and retain and analyze based on logged in status, even after you log out.
This WAS helpful in my case yesterday, but lets hope they clear the data and DON'T expand on it further.
Imagine you search for a divorce, "adult" material, a birthday present for someone, island getaway travel for yourself and your "secretary", an STD, etc.. on the family computer in the early a.m., then leave for work --- the wife, kids, or other household member does a Google search afterwards and gets the message:
This search has been refined due to your recent searches for [___ fill in the dangerous___ blank].
Imagine you search for a divorce, "adult" material, a birthday present for someone, island getaway travel for yourself and your "secretary", an STD, etc.. on the family computer in the early a.m., then leave for work --- the wife, kids, or other household member does a Google search afterwards and gets the message:This search has been refined due to your recent searches for [___ fill in the dangerous___ blank].
That reminds me of Facebook's controversial Beacon advertising, and that story of the guy who bought a diamond ring online for his wife, but the surprise was spoiled when the purchase appeared on Facebook.
So what is Google thinking?
Recent searches...In order to customize your results and show you the customization details, we keep the most recent query on your browser for a limited time. After that, the information is removed from your browser and disappears immediately if you close your browser.
Google blog [googleblog.blogspot.com]
Buy every family member their own laptop!
Or use a modern operating system that lets you create separate login accounts for every family member.
