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The Google auto-match search function, which materializes in that drop-down menu of guessed terms, offers an assortment of recognizable, prominent, and currently in-demand topics. When only one letter is entered into the search bar, a list of 10 names appears (typically businesses), but only one can claim the coveted top spot.
The New York Times recently performed 26 laborious steps of drop-down alphabetical analysis in order to investigate exactly which companies and groups receive that unofficial Google honor. The majority of the recipients are fairly predictable; 'F' immediately yields 'Facebook,' and 'N' prompts 'Netflix.'
But not all of the primary match suggestions direct Googlers to industry leaders or the expected big names. The Google and Apple duel may be reflected in one particular snub, as 'Apple' comes in at a measly eighth place in the 'A' category.
There are also some complete omissions that could inspire a kickback-conspiracy theory movement. 'Xbox 360' is the first name to appear under 'X,' but other video game consoles and manufacturers are blatantly absent. The words 'Nintendo,' 'Wii,' 'Sony,' and 'PlayStation' all failed to even place in their respective letters' lists. So, 'P' is for 'Poptropica?' Seriously, Google? [From: The New York Times]
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Comments
4
Subscribe to commentsTheAngryGamerJan 26th 2010 9:48AM
Honestly, this is ridiculous. Specifically, " 'Xbox 360' is the first name to appear under 'X,' but other video game consoles and manufacturers are blatantly absent."
I can't figure out the logic here. I mean, there are a massive amount of people out there who play Xbox 360, specifically in the United States. If we're assuming that these "one letter suggestions" are based on frequency of being searched, and we're accepting that "XM Radio" is the #2 searched term that begins with "x", I don't think it is a stretch whatsoever to say that there are more people on the internet searching for information about "Xbox 360" than there would be for "XM Radio". (Especially since most people would be searching for Sirius XM now)
Furthermore, I don't find it hard to believe that "Playstation 3" (or "PS3) are not the #1 searched "P" term. "Pandora", being an entirely internet based service, might make sense for #1 (which it is... not "Poptropica"), but I agree in that I find it hard to believe that "Playstation 3" (as well as "Sony", "Nintendo" and "Wii") doesn't even make the top 10.
It is no secret how Google makes money. If they're selling the top spot to the highest bidder, there's simply to reason to fault them for that. I just have a hard time believing that "Zillow" paid more than Microsoft would for "Zune", since the assumption was made that they paid for "Xbox 360" to be on top.
In short, there's nothing definitive here. This isn't news. I'm not sure it is even commentary.
justwaiting2009Jan 29th 2010 9:36AM
Actually, it is called search engine optimization and anybody can do it. In fact, they even have programs on the market that do nothing but that. This isn't news at all.
KrazyCalvinJan 28th 2010 11:31PM
"4" is for 4chan
tennwilliamsJan 29th 2010 10:02AM
W is for who cares?