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Google copies Facebook 'Like' button for search
Thu, 31st Mar 2011
FYI, this story is more than a year old

In an attempt to ride the great internet wave of sharing (mostly owned by Facebook), Google's search is going social.

In a blog the company has outlined how it's rolling out the ability for users to share recommendations in Google's search results.

"It's called +1" the digital shorthand for "this is pretty cool". To recommend something, all you have to do is click +1 on a webpage or ad you find useful. These +1's will then start appearing in Google's search results" said the firm.

"If you're looking for a new pasta recipe, we'll show you +1s from your culinary genius college roommate. And even if none of your friends are baristas or caffeine addicts, we may still show you how many people across the web have +1’d your local coffee shop," explained Google.

It works by using signals to identify the most useful recommendations that people you're connected to through your Google account.  

"Soon we may also incorporate other signals, such as your connections on sites like Twitter, to ensure your recommendations are as relevant as possible," added Google.

Check out the video below for a better idea of what to expect.