14 DAY TRIAL // Google is now testing a flash-based search engine which shows thumbnails of the results in the right part of the SERP. Although I can see the reasons for implementing flash into a search engine, it looks pretty well but some of the users might encounter difficulties while using the technology. I'm not sure that Flash can be faster than AJAX but, as I said, SearchMash works without any lag. However, this special flavor of the search product is compatible with Firefox and Internet Explorer, any other browser such as Opera being incompatible. The thumbnails are provided Snap.com, a service which is already implemented into numerous websites on the web.
"This is where detailed information about the currently selected result appears. For web results this may include an image preview of the website, a brief snippet from the page, and additional links. The links allow you to go straight to the site homepage, perform the same search including results only from that site, and open a cache of the page in case it is no longer available," the SearchMash FAQ describes the result preview.
Besides the search results, SearchMash is now also providing tips which might improve your searching experience with several hidden tricks. "Throughout your search you may see tips appear here. There are context sensitive and give clues how to use advanced features. Any given tip will only appear a few times at most. You may disable tips via the options on the left," the same source adds.
Personally, I don't see the results preview as such an important improvement because some of the users might find them really annoying. Also, I'm not sure there are so many searchers who would like to view the page preview of their results unless they are looking for a website having its appearance in mind.