Google has introduced a new feature in its search results that provides more in-depth information about a topic.
Similar to existing featured snippets for individual topics, this new snippet type details the differences and/or similarities between two things.
Within the featured snippet, users can utilize drop-down tabs to explore various subtopics in more detail.
An example provided by Google is a comparison between quartz and granite, with expandable subtopics such as cost, benefits, weight, and durability.
Now, when searching for something like “quartz vs. granite,” users will see a panel with relevant subtopics to explore. Similarly, searching for “emergency fund” will give a quick overview of information related to the suggested size, purpose, and importance of an emergency fund, along with links to more resources.
Google states these featured snippets aim to highlight common and useful aspects of a topic.
The snippets are automatically generated, so no specific type of markup is required for content to be included.
These new panels are automatically generated based on Google’s understanding of these topics from content on the web, and they are expected to be useful as they are gradually made available in the coming days.
This update is part of a series of improvements by Google to make accessing information faster.
The first improvement in this series was launched in February when Google introduced multifaceted featured snippets.
For insight into upcoming developments, Google recently previewed future search features at an event last month.
