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Google looking more like Baidu with new Discover feed

Apps and mobile sites in China favor more information on one page

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Google looking more like Baidu with new Discover feed
This article originally appeared on ABACUS
If you’ve visited Google’s US mobile homepage recently, you might have noticed something different. While in the past it consisted mostly of the search bar and not much else, now it features a series of cards underneath -- showing news articles, sports results and other information.  

It’s part of a Google initiative launched last year to revamp Search, called Google Discover. The function is already available on Google’s mobile app, but this is the first time it’s coming to the site as well.

Google Discover wants to show users a feed of content based on their interests. (Picture: Google)
Google Discover wants to show users a feed of content based on their interests. (Picture: Google)

It’s a notable change for Google -- but it’s not exactly groundbreaking in the world of search engines. In fact, the world’s largest internet population is already familiar with a search page that has a similar layout.

That’s right, I’m talking about Baidu in China.

Meet Baidu, China’s homegrown search engine

Before you even type a single word into Baidu’s search bar, its front page already supplies a plethora of information. The top left shows the weather forecast in your area. Scrolling down gives you an endless feed of news ranging from entertainment and science to health and relationship advice.

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