Google Squared, an experimental service, automatically compiles details from several Web pages and organizes them into a table on a single page, with multiple columns like a spread sheet. A search for “small dogs,” for instance, returns a list of breeds, an accompanying image and a brief description, plus the average height and weight of each breed.

I have to admit I’m slightly worried with the fact that these changes and added layers of search just won’t catch on with ordinary Joes (six pack?) out there in the world. It might prove a hit with those researchers but would the person off the high street want these filters, columns and such for finding a cheap TV. I’m not so sure. And I’m not so sure that Squared would be a regularly used feature either. I’ll be seeing what Wolfram Alpha does and looking very closely at its ability to deal with spam in particular.