Google.de SERP layout with scrolling image strip above ads

[aakk9999]

I have just seen a new SERP layout on google.de which I haven't came across before - a strip of images with right and left arrow for scrolling which is placed ABOVE the ads. Here is the screenshot:

[i47.tinypic.com...]

Clicking on any image on this strip changes the search query and the SERPs below (including new set of ads), but the strip remains. Of course, this pushes organic even further down.

I saw this only on FF, where it appeared for a few searches and then later on the layout disappeared (for the same queries).

[Robert Charlton]

Thanks for the screen capture, and for choosing an example that we can post without problems.

The strip of images up at the top isn't new in the US or the UK. It was discussed here in Sept 2012, and possibly earlier as well...

New Side Scrolling Images in Google SERPS
http://www.webmasterworld.com/google/4499138.htm [webmasterworld.com]

The carousel results are commonly associated with the Knowledge Graph, which may, up until now, have been available in English only.

This is also the first association of the carousel interface that I've seen with regard to ad placement, though I haven't kept my eye on that aspect of it. Knowledge Graph results tend to be general enough that I don't remember having seen ads with them.


PS: Here's an Aug 2012 discussion about the the initial rollout, referring specifically to English speaking countries...

Google Makes Knowledge Graph SERPs Global For English-Speaking Countries
http://www.webmasterworld.com/google/4483008.htm [webmasterworld.com]