Google Lets You Save and Bookmark Thumbnail Images from your Desktop

[engine]

Google has said users can now save and bookmark thumbnail images from their desktop directly from Google search. Originally a mobile only facility, this is now opened up to the desktop.
Currently, it's only available in the U.S. on .com

There are two sides to this, of course, and one must be the originators image, which could be saved in full anyway, without making it easier, but it could be a way to sell products and services, so optimising the images should be a consideration.

For example, if your yard is in need of some spring re-planting, just go to your desktop, search for an image and tap the star to save your potential new flowers, bushes, or even swimming pools. When you’re at the store ready to start buying, you’ll be able to pull up your saved images on your phone and start building your perfect yard. You can also tag your saves to keep them organized. Google Lets You Save Images from your Desktop [search.googleblog.com]

changed "to" to "from"

[edited by: engine at 1:28 pm (utc) on Mar 30, 2016]

[JS_Harris]

Hmmm, yeah, optimizing my images for yet another Google image application. That's worked out well for me before! j/k. Instead of optimizing your images to work in Google's new features it's probably best, if you want that functionality, to roll out your own website app. If Google suddenly makes critical changes or suspends service you won't miss a beat.

I was going to comment on the usefulness of this feature, it looks promising, but I've backspaced a few times just now because I'm having a hard time getting past one point. I know why we let Google index our images, we want traffic, but do we want to allow Google products that don't send traffic to just grab our images too?

Can we get, you know, perhaps some royalties from this feature?

[engine]

I suspect the image bookmarking will end up being something incorporated into Google Shopping, with Google having seen the potential in Pinterest "Buyable Pins" [webmasterworld.com]

In the meantime, it's an organic SEO opportunity.

[Andy Langton]

I think the heading might need clarification. Saved images appear at google.com/save - this change is to allow saving on desktop devices (as opposed to just mobiles), not to the desktop.

[aristotle]

I don't understand this. Exactly what do you bookmark? Could someone please explain each step and what the final result is.

[engine]

Firstly, you have to be logged in, and in the U.S. Secondly, yes, the title needs tweaking, not to the desktop, but from the desktop. I'll fix that.
Previously, it was only from your mobile, but it's now extended to a desktop client, and, no doubt, saved to your account.

[aristotle]

Thanks engine
But I'm still confused. For example, exactly what does "save and bookmark thumbnail images" mean? Instead of bookmarking an image, wouldn't you want to bookmark the page that contains the image, especially if the image is associated with a specific product?