Author: Dopstart

  • Virtually try on dresses with Google’s AI

    Virtually try on dresses with Google’s AI

    Google introduces an AI-powered tool for virtual dress fitting, offering a more precise shopping experience.

    Google has launched a new feature allowing users to virtually try on dresses while shopping online. Powered by generative AI, this tool enables shoppers to see how various styles fit on a diverse range of models.

    This AI-driven tool is designed to overcome challenges related to intricate details and garment coverage, providing realistic dress images directly in Google Search.

    Now, you can virtually try on dresses from hundreds of brands, including SIMKHAI, Boden, Staud, Sandro, and Maje.

    Shopping online without surprises

    Online shopping can be fun but also risky when it comes to finding the right fit. Last year, Google introduced a virtual try-on feature for tops, allowing users to see every detail, from shadows to fabric folds.

    This feature has proven effective, leading to a 60% increase in high-quality image views on Google. Now, this functionality has been expanded to dresses, one of the most searched apparel categories.

    How the virtual try-on works

    The new virtual try-on tool is easy to use. If you’re in the U.S., simply search for a dress on Google and click on any style with a “try on” badge.

    You’ll be able to see how the dress looks on a wide range of models, with sizes from XXS to XXXL. You can choose a model that best represents your body type to get a better sense of how the dress will fit.

    Prova virtuale vestiti Simkhai

    The technology behind the tool

    This innovative tool is made possible through a generative AI technique known as diffusion, which generates pixels from scratch to create realistic images of dresses on models.

    To adapt this for dresses, which are more complex than tops, Google developed a “progressive training strategy” that gradually enhances image resolution.

    Additionally, Google introduced the VTO-UDiT technique, which preserves the body’s details, offering an accurate portrayal of both the dress and the person wearing it.

    Try dresses straight from the runway

    With fall approaching, hundreds of brands are showcasing their collections in New York. Following SIMKHAI’s runway show, users can virtually try on select dresses from the collection and pre-order them directly from the brand’s website.

    While New York Fashion Week takes center stage, the virtual try-on tool will allow you to try on dresses and tops from hundreds of brands across the web.

    What do you think? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

    Questions and answers

    What is Google’s virtual try-on for dresses?
    The virtual try-on feature allows you to see how dresses will fit on models of various sizes using artificial intelligence.

    How does the virtual try-on work?
    Simply search for a dress on Google and click on one with the “try on” badge. You can select a model from different sizes to see how the dress will look.

    In which countries is this feature available?
    Currently, the virtual try-on feature is only available in the United States.

    Which brands participate in the virtual try-on?
    Hundreds of brands are participating, including SIMKHAI, Boden, Staud, Sandro, and Maje.

    Can I try on other clothing items besides dresses?
    Yes, last year Google launched this feature for tops, and now it’s also available for dresses.

    Does the virtual try-on work on mobile devices?
    Yes, the feature is available on both mobile and desktop devices.

    How does Google create realistic images of dresses on models?
    Google uses an innovative artificial intelligence technology called diffusion to generate realistic images.

    Is the virtual try-on 100% accurate?
    While the technology is highly advanced, the virtual try-on offers an accurate representation but may not perfectly reflect every physical detail.

    Can I purchase dresses directly after trying them on virtually?
    Yes, once you’ve selected a dress, you can click the link to be redirected to the retailer’s website to purchase it.

    How often does Google add new brands or clothing items?
    Google regularly updates the available brands and adds new clothing items based on collaborations and seasons.

  • What is a link? A dive into hypertext and beyond

    What is a link? A dive into hypertext and beyond

    (article updated on September 9, 2024)

    Links are like the streets of a giant city called the Internet. They are roads that allow us to move from one place to another, to explore new places and discover hidden treasures.

    In this article, we will take a closer look at the concept of links and their importance in various spheres of the Internet, including hypertext, user experience, link building and mistakes to avoid, page authority, SEO, link popularity, and more.

    Table of Contents

    Let’s start with the definition of link.

    link (or hyperlink ) is an element on a web page that allows users to navigate to another page or resource on the Internet. Links can point to a variety of destinations, such as other pages on the site, pages on other sites, images, videos, or documents.

    Links are one of the foundations of the web, allowing users to easily move between different resources and content both within and outside of a website.

    Links are clickable text or image that, when selected (clicked), redirect the user to another online resource, such as another web page, document, image, or any other linked resource.

    Additionally, links can be embedded in various contexts, such as emails, digital documents, text messages, apps, and more. They are a crucial tool for sharing information and creating connections between online resources.

    There are several types of links to consider in link building:

    Internal links: These links are located within your website and point to other pages on your domain. They are useful for internal navigation and guiding users to related content.

    Example: An article on your site links to another article on the same domain.

    External links: These are links that point to a resource on another website. They can be useful for providing additional information or citing an authoritative source.

    Example : A link to a news site or external source to support a claim.

    Nofollow and Dofollow Links: “Rel nofollow” links do not convey authority from a website to the one they are linking to, while dofollow links do. It is important to balance both types of links in your SEO strategy .

    Link attributerel="ugc" (user generated content): Used in HTML to indicate that a link leads to user-generated content, such as comments, forum posts, or reviews. This helps search engines distinguish spontaneous user-generated links from editorial or advertising links, potentially influencing how the link is treated in terms of ranking and trust.

    Backlinks (or inbound links): These are inbound links to your website from other online sources. They can be obtained through guest postings, reviews, social media mentions, and more. Some of these links can be considered “toxic” and require you to submit a disavow file to Google .

    As you might have guessed from the definitions just written, internal links and external links are two types of hyperlinks that play different roles within a website or on the Internet in general. Here are the main differences between the two:

    Internal links are designed to guide users through your website, allowing them to navigate to related pages or find related content within your site.

    Website administrators have complete control over internal links. They can choose which pages or content to link to each other and determine how those links are structured within the site.

    Benefits of Internal Links: Internal links can improve user experience, help users discover related content, and improve site navigation. They can also distribute authority within your site, helping your internal search rankings.

    External links can be used to refer readers to external resources or information that are relevant to the content of the site. For example, a blog post might include an external link to a news source or feature article.

    The administrators of the site receiving the external link have some control over how the backlinks are managed in order to maintain the authority and consistency of the site. The administrators of the website that sends external links to other sites do not have the same degree of control.

    Benefits of external links: They can improve a website’s authority, visibility in search engines, and interconnectivity between related websites. Search engines often evaluate external links as signals of trustworthiness and authority, which can influence search rankings.

    In HTML (Hypertext Markup Language), links are created using the <a> (anchor) element. Here is an example of how you can create a link in HTML

    <a href="https://www.example.com">Visit the sample site</a>

    In the code above:

    • <a>It is the anchor element that indicates the beginning of a link.
    • hrefis an attribute that specifies the URL of the resource to which the link points. In the example, the link points to “https://www.example.com”.
    • The text between <a> and </a>is the link text displayed on the web page. In this case, the text is “Visit the sample site .”

    You can also create internal links on your site, linking to specific sections of the same page or other pages on your site. For example:

    <a href="#section-1">Go to Section 1</a>

    In this case, “#section-1” represents the ID of an element on the same page that the link points to.

    <a href="/page-1">Go to Page 1</a>

    In this case, “/page-1” represents the different page on the site that the link points to.

    Remember that it is important to provide meaningful link text so that users know what to expect when they click on them.

    The layout and structure of links are critical to the user experience. A well-designed website has an intuitive layout that allows users to easily find what they are looking for. Logically organized links, accompanied by informative text, simplify navigation and improve usability.

    The recognizability of the links is given by the different color compared to the text. Sometimes in addition to the different color we can find other elements such as the “underline”.

    In short, these are real virtual guides that allow users to explore the vast world of the web and navigate between pages, sites and content.

    Effective use of links is important for smooth and intuitive navigation, and it also affects the success of websites, blogs, and other online resources. Good link design is essential for a great user experience.

    The system of connections through internal and external links, known as hypertext (or hyperlinks), is the basis of the structure of the Internet. It is a characteristic of the Internet to allow Internet users to move between websites, pages and content with ease.

    Links play a huge role in making web navigation intuitive. When users visit a website or read an online article, links make it possible to access additional information and related content.

    For example, when reading a news article on a site, links can lead to related sources, insights, or related articles. This allows users to explore topics in greater depth.

    Menu and internal navigation structure

    Links are also used to structure the internal navigation menus of websites.

    For example, a website may have a main menu with links to main pages, such as “Home,” “About Us,” “Services,” and “Contact Us.”

    Each of these menu options is a link that directs the user to the corresponding page. This structure simplifies navigation and allows users to find what they need efficiently.

    Links are not only a tool to guide navigation within a site, but also to connect resources and content between different websites. When a website inserts a link to another external resource, it is an external link. Similarly, when an external site inserts a link to our site, it can also be called a backlink.

    These links create a network of interconnections between websites and online resources. They can be used to refer readers to external sources, share insights, or give credit to cited resources.

    For an optimal user experience, it is important that links are high quality and relevant. Linking to low quality or unrelated content can confuse users and damage the reputation of the site. Additionally, the link structure should be clear and consistent, with descriptive labels that clearly indicate where the link will lead.

    An effective linking strategy, both internally and externally, goes a long way in making the web a more accessible, informative, and interconnected place.

    Link building is a crucial practice in the world of online marketing and search engine optimization (SEO). It is a strategy that aims to obtain links from other websites to your site, in order to build trust and authority in the eyes of search engines, as well as provide value to users. In this article, we will explore the importance of link building, the different types of links, and how to build an effective strategy.

    I motori di ricerca, come Google, utilizzano algoritmi complessi per determinare quali siti web sono rilevanti e affidabili per le query degli utenti. Uno dei fattori chiave considerati da questi algoritmi è la quantità e la qualità dei link che puntano a un sito web. In altre parole, i motori di ricerca valutano la link building come un segno di affidabilità e autorevolezza di un sito.

    Link building is essential to building the authority of your website. The more authority your site has, the better it will rank in search engines. Search engine algorithms evaluate the quantity and quality of backlinks, so it is essential to focus on both aspects.

    While link building is a valuable strategy, it is crucial to avoid some common mistakes:

    1. Low-Quality Backlinks: Getting backlinks from low-quality or spammy sites can damage your online reputation.
    2. Unnatural Anchor Text: Using irrelevant or overly optimized anchor text can raise red flags for search engines.
    3. Excessive guest posting: If you overdo it with guest posting , you risk appearing too self-promotional, which can damage your credibility.
    4. Reciprocal Links: Exchanging links between websites can be seen as an unethical practice by search engines.

    Avoiding these mistakes will help link building build trust and authority online. A well-planned and executed strategy can significantly improve your website’s search engine rankings, as well as provide value to users.

    Always remember to aim for high quality links.

    What are links on the Internet? Links, or hyperlinks, are clickable elements on a web page that allow you to move from one resource to another on the Internet.

    Why are links important on the web? Links make it easier to navigate related content, providing a smoother and more interactive experience for the user, and help build a network of connected information.

    What is the difference between internal and external links? Internal links point to pages within the same website, while external links take the user to different sites.

    How do links affect a website’s SEO? Search engines consider links as a ranking factor: a good link profile (inbound and outbound) can improve a website’s visibility in search results.

    What is anchor text and why is it important? Anchor text is the visible, clickable part of a link. It should be descriptive to help search engines and users understand the content of the linked page.

    What is the difference between a follow and nofollow link? Follow links pass authority from one page to another, while nofollow links do not pass SEO value, telling search engines not to consider that link.

    How can I avoid creating broken links? By keeping my links up to date and regularly checking that external sites have not changed URLs or been removed.

    What role do links play in social media? Links shared on social media can increase traffic to a website and increase the visibility of content, although they often have the nofollow attribute.

    What are backlinks and why are they important? Backlinks are links that point to your site from other web pages. They are essential for SEO, as they represent a sort of vote of confidence from other sites.

    Can links affect the accessibility of a website? Yes, well-structured and descriptive links improve accessibility, allowing all users, including people with disabilities, to navigate the site more easily.

  • What’s new in Google Photos search: more precise and interactive tools

    What’s new in Google Photos search: more precise and interactive tools

    Google Photos’ latest updates make finding images and videos easier and more intuitive.

    Google Photos has launched a new update that simplifies how we search for images and videos in our library. With this improvement, searches will be more precise and immediate, using natural language to make technology interaction smoother and more intuitive.

    New search features

    The main update allows users to create detailed text queries to find exactly what they are looking for. With this tool, you can describe images using everyday language. For example, you can search for a photo by simply typing: “kayak on a lake surrounded by mountains.” This approach significantly reduces the time needed to find a specific image in your vast Google Photos gallery.

    Availability and access

    Currently, this advanced functionality is available for English-speaking users on Android and iOS. For now, only users using Google Photos in English can fully take advantage of these new search capabilities.

    Preview of Ask Photos

    In addition to the new search feature, Google has also announced early access to Ask Photos, an innovative tool that uses the latest Gemini models. This system delivers even more accurate results using conversational prompts. Essentially, it will be like having a conversation with your photo library to find the perfect image.

  • Google releases Chrome security update: 4 vulnerabilities fixed

    Google releases Chrome security update: 4 vulnerabilities fixed

    Google releases an update to Chrome fixing 4 vulnerabilities, including 2 high-severity ones

    Google has rolled out an update for the Chrome browser that addresses 4 security vulnerabilities, 2 of which have been classified as “high severity.” This update impacts all major platforms, including Windows, Mac, and Linux. Here’s what you need to know to keep your device secure.

    Update details

    Google recently made available a security update for the stable release of Google Chrome, addressing critical vulnerabilities that could compromise user safety. The identified vulnerabilities allow arbitrary code execution and have an estimated impact rating of HIGH/ORANGE (65.12/100). It’s crucial to update your browser to the latest version to prevent potential attacks.

    Affected products and versions

    The affected versions include:

    • Google Chrome on Windows and Mac: versions prior to 128.0.6613.119/.120
    • Google Chrome on Linux: versions prior to 128.0.6613.119

    If your browser is running one of these versions, it is strongly advised to update immediately.

    Vulnerability types

    The vulnerabilities involve specific attack vectors, such as arbitrary code execution. Two of the most critical vulnerabilities include:

    • CVE-2024-8362: “Use after free” in WebAudio, reported by Cassidy Kim.
    • CVE-2024-7970: “Out of bounds write” in Chrome’s V8 engine.

    Both of these vulnerabilities have been classified as “high severity,” meaning they could allow attackers to execute malicious code on the victim’s device.

    Mitigation actions

    To protect your devices, Google recommends updating Chrome to the latest available version:

    • Windows and Mac versions: 128.0.6613.120
    • Linux versions: 128.0.6613.119

    The update will be rolled out over the coming days/weeks, but you can manually check for updates directly within your browser’s settings.

    Online security is crucial, and keeping your software up to date is the best way to minimize risks. Check now if your browser is updated to avoid exposure to these vulnerabilities.

    Share your thoughts on this security update and how you manage your device’s security by commenting in the form below!

  • How to create an SEO dashboard

    How to create an SEO dashboard

    Building the perfect SEO dashboard

    In the world of digital marketers, having an SEO dashboard is essential for tracking and optimizing your SEO strategy.

    Whether you’re looking to monitor your website’s performance, track organic search traffic, or fine-tune your SEO efforts, a well-built SEO reporting dashboard can provide invaluable insights. 

    In this article, we’ll explore how to create an effective SEO dashboard that aligns with your business goals, provides clear data visualization, and helps you manage your SEO campaign more efficiently.

    Why you need an SEO dashboard

    An SEO dashboard is more than just a tool for tracking SEO data. It’s a central hub for all your SEO reporting, providing you with real-time insights into key metrics that can directly impact your marketing efforts

    Digital marketers can use these dashboards to make informed decisions, adjust strategies quickly, and keep the entire team aligned with the company’s business goals.

    With an SEO dashboard, you can easily monitor organic search traffic, conversion rate, bounce rate, and other important data points

    When built correctly, it will give you access to data from key platforms like Google Search Console and analytics tools, offering a unified view of your website’s performance.

    Semrush seo dashboard
    Semrush seo dashboard

    Step-by-step guide on how to create an SEO dashboard

    To create a functional and effective SEO reporting dashboard, you need to follow a structured approach that takes into account your key metrics and data sources. Here’s how to go about it.

    1. Define your business goals and KPIs

    Before jumping into building your dashboard for SEO, start by identifying your business goals and the key performance indicators (KPIs) that matter most to you. Different businesses may prioritize different metrics—some may focus on improving the conversion rate, while others may aim to increase organic search traffic. Understanding what success looks like for your SEO campaign will help you choose the right SEO data to track.

    For example, if you’re running an e-commerce site, you’ll want to monitor the conversion rate from organic search traffic, product page visits, and overall sales. For content-based websites, metrics like bounce rate and session duration may be more critical.

    2. Choose the right SEO tools and data sources

    A comprehensive SEO dashboard pulls data from multiple sources. SEO tools like Google Search Console, Google Analytics, SEMrush, Ahrefs, and Moz are crucial for extracting actionable insights. These platforms provide you with a wealth of data, such as keyword rankings, site performance, and backlink profiles, which are essential for your reporting dashboard.

    To streamline the process, you can integrate these tools using a drag and drop interface into platforms like Google Looker Studio, Tableau, or other marketing dashboard tools. These systems allow you to easily customize your dashboard for SEO and automatically update in real time.

    3. Select the right metrics to track

    Choosing the right metrics is a critical step in building an effective SEO dashboard, as it ensures you focus on the data that truly matters to your SEO strategy and overall business goals. Each business may prioritize different metrics based on their SEO efforts, target audience, and marketing goals. Below are the key metrics that every SEO dashboard should include, with a deeper look into why they are essential for digital marketers.

    Organic search traffic

    One of the most important metrics to track in any SEO dashboard is organic search traffic. This refers to the number of visitors arriving at your website through unpaid search results on search engines like Google. Organic traffic is often a direct result of your SEO efforts, making it a core indicator of how well your site is ranking for target keywords.

    Tracking organic search traffic allows you to see the impact of your SEO campaign on overall visibility.  

    Conversion rate

    Beyond driving traffic, the ultimate goal of your SEO strategy is to convert visitors into customers or leads. Conversion rate measures the percentage of visitors who complete a desired action on your site, such as making a purchase, signing up for a newsletter, or filling out a contact form.

    Including conversion rate in your SEO reporting dashboard helps you evaluate the effectiveness of your SEO efforts in not only bringing traffic but also driving meaningful engagement. 

    A high conversion rate suggests that your landing pages and content are aligned with user intent, while a low conversion rate could signal a mismatch between the keywords you’re targeting and the actual needs of your audience.

    Bounce rate

    Bounce rate refers to the percentage of visitors who leave your website after viewing only one page. A high bounce rate can be an indicator that your site isn’t providing the information users are looking for, or that the content isn’t engaging enough to encourage further exploration.

    Tracking bounce rate in your dashboard for SEO is essential for understanding how users interact with your site. 

    A high bounce rate could also point to slow page load times or technical issues, which negatively impact the user experience and search rankings.

    Keyword rankings

    Keyword rankings measure where your website appears in search engine results for specific keywords or phrases. Monitoring your rankings over time helps you understand the success of your SEO campaign and whether your content is meeting the demands of your target audience.

    When setting up your SEO reporting dashboard, it’s important to include not only rankings for your primary keywords but also for long-tail keywords. 

    Long-tail keywords, which are more specific and less competitive, often bring in higher-converting traffic. 

    You can also track changes in ranking positions following algorithm updates or shifts in your SEO strategy.

    Backlinks—links from other websites that point to your site—are a crucial component of any SEO strategy. High-quality backlinks from reputable sites signal to search engines that your website is authoritative and trustworthy, which can significantly boost your rankings.

    In your SEO dashboard, you should track the number of backlinks and the quality of the referring domains. This data can help you gauge the success of your link-building campaigns and identify opportunities for improvement. 

    Additionally, monitoring backlinks helps ensure that your site isn’t attracting harmful or spammy links, which could negatively impact your rankings.

    Page speed and Core Web Vitals

    With Google’s focus on user experience, page speed and Core Web Vitals have become increasingly important for SEO performance. These metrics assess how quickly your site loads, how interactive it is, and how stable it remains as content loads. 

    Slow-loading pages can lead to higher bounce rates, poor user experience, and lower search rankings.

    Incorporating page speed metrics in your SEO dashboard allows you to spot performance bottlenecks and improve the technical aspects of your site. This can include reducing image sizes, optimizing code, or leveraging browser caching to ensure faster load times, particularly on mobile devices.

    User engagement metrics

    Tracking user engagement metrics, such as time on page, pages per session, and scroll depth, provides additional insights into how visitors are interacting with your content. High levels of engagement suggest that your content is resonating with users, while low engagement may indicate that your content needs improvement.

    For example, if users spend a lot of time on your blog posts or read multiple pages in one session, it’s a good indication that your SEO strategy is attracting relevant traffic. These insights allow you to refine your content to better match user intent and drive higher engagement.

    Mobile traffic and performance

    With more users browsing the web on mobile devices, tracking mobile-specific performance metrics is crucial. Your SEO dashboard should include data on mobile traffic, as well as mobile site speed and performance.

    Google prioritizes mobile-first indexing, meaning that the mobile version of your website is the primary factor in determining your rankings. 

    Ensuring that your mobile experience is optimized will help you maintain strong rankings and attract users who prefer to search and browse on smartphones or tablets.

    4. Customize data visualization for easy interpretation

    Good data visualization makes complex information easier to understand. Your SEO reporting dashboard should be visually organized in a way that lets you and your team members quickly interpret key metrics. Platforms like Google Data Studio offer customizable templates that you can tweak according to your business goals.

    Charts, graphs, and tables are essential for showing trends in organic search traffic, keyword rankings, and conversion rate. Tools like SEMrush and Ahrefs also provide custom widgets that you can integrate directly into your dashboard SEO to display backlinks, keyword performance, and technical SEO audits.

    5. Set up automated reporting for real-time insights

    The final step in building your SEO dashboard is to set up automated reporting. Most SEO tools and marketing dashboard platforms offer the ability to pull real-time data or schedule regular updates, ensuring that your SEO reporting is always up-to-date.

    This feature is especially useful for larger teams, as it allows all team members to access the latest SEO data without having to manually retrieve information. With real-time data, you can quickly identify issues, adjust your SEO campaign, and ensure that your marketing efforts remain aligned with your business goals.

    Benefits of an effective SEO dashboard

    Having a well-structured SEO dashboard can transform how you approach your SEO strategy. First, it simplifies your SEO reporting, saving you time and reducing the need for manual data retrieval. You’ll also have access to key insights in real time, which can help you quickly respond to any fluctuations in organic search traffic or sudden changes in keyword rankings.

    Moreover, an SEO dashboard can help you demonstrate the value of your SEO efforts to stakeholders or clients. With clear, concise visual reports, you can showcase improvements in conversion rate, bounce rate, and overall website performance, reinforcing the effectiveness of your marketing efforts.

    FAQs on how to create an SEO dashboard

    What is an SEO dashboard?

    An SEO dashboard is a tool that provides a centralized view of key SEO metrics like organic traffic, bounce rate, and keyword rankings, helping digital marketers track their SEO efforts in real time.

    Why is an SEO dashboard important?

    An SEO dashboard helps businesses monitor their website’s performance, track the effectiveness of their SEO campaigns, and make data-driven decisions to improve search rankings and conversion rates.

    What metrics should be included in an SEO dashboard?

    Metrics like organic search traffic, bounce rate, conversion rate, keyword rankings, and backlinks are crucial for a comprehensive SEO dashboard.

    How do I set up an SEO dashboard?

    To set up an SEO dashboard, choose the right SEO tools (e.g., Google Analytics, SEMrush), identify key metrics, and integrate them into a dashboard platform like Google Looker Studio or Tableau.

    What are the best tools for building an SEO dashboard?

    Some of the best tools include Google Looker Studio, Google Analytics, Google Search Console, SEMrush, Ahrefs, and Moz.

    How often should I update my SEO dashboard?

    Ideally, your SEO dashboard should be updated in real time or at least on a daily or weekly basis to provide up-to-date data for decision-making.

    Can I create an SEO dashboard without coding?

    Yes, platforms like Google Data Studio and Tableau offer drag-and-drop features, allowing you to build an SEO dashboard without any coding knowledge.

    How can I use an SEO dashboard to track conversion rates?

    You can integrate Google Analytics into your SEO dashboard to track how many visitors from organic search convert into leads or customers, giving you insight into your website’s performance.

    What’s the difference between an SEO dashboard and a marketing dashboard?

    An SEO dashboard focuses specifically on SEO-related metrics, while a marketing dashboard tracks broader metrics like overall traffic, paid campaigns, and social media performance.

    How do I visualize SEO data in an SEO dashboard?

    You can use graphs, tables, and charts to visualize data points such as keyword rankings, traffic trends, and bounce rate, making it easier to interpret and act on the data.

  • Google Contacts removes “Recently Added” section

    Google Contacts removes “Recently Added” section

    Google has made a significant change to its Contacts app, eliminating the recently added contacts section, with usability implications.

    A change that simplifies (too much) Google Contacts

    Google Contacts, the app that comes pre-installed on many stock Android devices, has undergone a significant change.

    After introducing the “Featured” tab in the bottom bar a few years ago, which included features such as favorite contacts and birthdays, Google has now decided to remove a section.

    The “Featured” tab previously also contained “Seen” and “Added” sections, which gave users quick access to their most recently opened and created contacts.

    Google Contacts screen showing recently viewed and added contacts

    What does the removal of the “Viewed” and “Added” section in recent contacts entail?

    With this recent change, the section that displayed newly added contacts has been removed.

    Now, newly created contacts will appear directly in the “Recent” section only when opened immediately after being saved.

    This simplification, however, may be a bit too radical for some users, as in our opinion it reduces the ease with which it is possible to find the most recent contacts.

    Additionally, the change appears to exclude contacts added via the web , making the experience less integrated across devices.

    Google Contacts: What the "Highlights" screen looks like now.

    The future of Google Contacts and the evolution of the Pixel Besties Widget

    As Google continues to optimize its Contacts app, it is also working on other features, such as the “ Pixel Besties ” widget (formerly known as “ Besties ”).

    This widget, according to the description, should allow you to see recent communications and memories with your favorite people. However, there is uncertainty about which specific memories will be included and how this feature will integrate with the rest of the Google ecosystem.

    What do you think about these changes to Google Contacts? Leave a comment below and share your thoughts on how these changes will impact your experience.

  • Google rolls out AI chatbot for Gmail on Android

    Google rolls out AI chatbot for Gmail on Android

    The Gmail Q&A feature arrives on Android, allowing users to leverage Gemini’s AI to better manage their emails.

    Google brings its AI chatbot to Gmail on Android

    Google recently introduced the ability to use its Gemini AI chatbot to ask questions about your Gmail inbox on the web. Now, this feature is coming to mobile devices, starting with Android. According to Google, the Gmail Q&A feature is beginning to roll out on Android and will be “coming soon” to iOS devices.

    How Gmail Q&A works

    With the Gmail Q&A feature, users can ask Gemini questions about their inbox. You can request it to find specific details in emails, show unread messages, view messages from a specific sender, or summarize emails about a particular topic in your inbox. Google previewed this feature earlier this year during its I/O conference.

    A more effective way to manage emails

    This new feature offers an innovative way to sift through emails or find something that might be buried deep in your inbox. However, it’s important to note that the feature is not available to all users. To use it, you need to subscribe to Google One AI Premium or be on a Google Workspace plan with Gemini Business, Enterprise, Education, or Education Premium add-ons.

    A word of caution when using AI

    As with many generative AI tools, it’s advisable to always double-check that Gemini doesn’t “hallucinate” any of the results it pulls up. The Gmail Q&A feature began rolling out as of Thursday, and Google says it could take up to 15 days to appear for everyone.

    What do you think about the introduction of this new AI feature in Gmail? Leave your comment in the form below and share your thoughts with us.

  • Google Gemini: Yes to images of people with new security measures

    Google Gemini: Yes to images of people with new security measures

    Google has announced the release of new features for its AI image generation tool, promising significant improvements to ensure more accurate and confident representations.

    Google Gemini Restores Image Generation

    Google recently announced that it is reintroducing the generation of images of people for some Gemini AI users . This feature, temporarily suspended due to issues with correctly representing people, has now been improved to better meet user expectations.

    According to the company’s blog post , the latest version of the image generator, called Imagen 3 , will soon be available to those with Gemini Advanced, Business, and Enterprise subscriptions. The tool allows users to create images from simple text prompts, turning written descriptions into visual images.

    Technical improvements and new features

    Google said it has made several technical improvements to ensure that the images it generates are more accurate and respectful of cultural and racial diversity. These include improved assessment sets, red-teaming exercises, and the introduction of clear product principles.

    An example prompt provided by the company included the description of “a little dragon hatching from an egg in a sunny meadow, surrounded by bright butterflies.” Imagen 3 transformed this description into a colorful, detailed image, demonstrating the tool’s advanced capabilities.

    Security and limitations of image generation

    Google has implemented new safeguards to prevent the tool from being misused. Gemini now restricts the generation of images that may be dangerous or inappropriate, such as “self-harm instructions” or the creation of violent or sexual content. These measures were introduced to comply with the company’s ethical design principles.

    However, Google warned that since the tool is still under development, not all images generated will be perfect. The company promised to continue gathering feedback from users to further improve the tool and make it available in more languages ​​and to a greater number of users.

    Gradual launch and user feedback

    Currently, the image generation feature is not yet available to all Gemini Advanced subscribers, but Google has assured that it will be accessible soon. The company invites users to provide feedback to further refine the technology.

    What do you think about these new Google Gemini features? Share your thoughts in the form below and join the conversation!

  • Google disavow file: complete guide to creating

    Google disavow file: complete guide to creating

    One of the questions that an SEO expert asks himself already in the first SEO strategy phase is whether and when to compile the disavow file.

    The Google Disavow file is a fundamental tool for those involved in digital marketing and SEO. It allows you to report backlinks that you believe to be harmful or low-quality to Google, so that they are ignored by the search engine algorithm. But what exactly is the disavow file , how does it work, and above all, how can you create it? In this article, we will explore all these aspects in depth.

    Table of Contents

    What is the Google disavow file?

    A disavow file is a text file that can be uploaded via Google Search Console to tell Google to ignore specific backlinks pointing to your website. This tool was introduced by Google in 2012 in response to growing concerns about negative SEO , a practice where competitors try to lower a site’s ranking by bombarding it with low-quality or toxic links .

    These malicious links can come from spam websites, paid link networks, or other untrustworthy sources. Without the disavow tool , such links could negatively impact the site’s backlink profile , lowering its ranking in search engine results .

    Why is the disavow file important?

    Using the disavow tool is crucial to maintaining a clean backlink profile and safeguarding your website’s rankings. When Google detects bad backlinks , it can penalize your site, reducing its visibility in search results. While Google is smart enough to ignore many low-quality links , some can still slip through the cracks and hurt your SEO.

    The disavow file allows you to manually reject backlinks that you consider dangerous. This tool should be used with caution, as excluding bad backlinks could have a negative impact on SEO . Therefore, it is advisable to perform a thorough backlink audit before proceeding .

    How to create disavow file

    Creating a disavow file is a fairly simple process, but it does require attention and precision. Here is a detailed guide on how to proceed:

    1. Backlink Analysis
      First of all, you need to identify the backlinks that can be harmful to your site. This can be done using various backlink analysis tools , such as Ahrefs, SEMrush or Moz. These tools provide a complete overview of your site’s backlink profile , highlighting toxic or suspicious links.
    2. Creating a Text File
      Once you have identified the bad backlinks , the next step is to create a text file (.txt) that includes the URLs or domains you want to disavow. This is essentially a list of disavow links. Each backlink should be placed on a separate line. If you want to disavow an entire domain, you can use the prefix “domain:” followed by the domain name (e.g. domain
      .com). It is important to note that each line should contain only one URL or domain.
    3. Uploading the disavow file
      After creating the file, the next step is to upload the file to Google Search Console using the disavow link tool. Go to the “ Disavow links ” section and upload the file you just created. Once uploaded, Google will start ignoring the backlinks listed in the file.
    4. Monitoring and updating
      After uploading the disavow file , it is important to monitor the results over time. You can do this via Google Search Console and other SEO analysis tools. If you notice additional malicious links , you can update the file and re-upload it. Keep in mind that the disavow process can take several weeks to take effect, meaning that the indicated backlinks will be ignored by Google.

    Example of a disavow file

    Here is an example of a disavow .txt file:

    https://www.example1.com
    https://www.example2.com
    https://www.example3.com
    

    In this example, the disavow file contains three website URLs that the website owner does not want Google to consider when evaluating their website.

    Here’s another, more detailed example:

    # Disavow file for the website www.mydomain.it
    
    # Links to low quality websites
    
    https://www.example1.com/harmful-category/ 
    https://www.example2.com/spam-page/ 
    https://www.example3.com/harmful-content/
    
    # Links to websites with malicious content
    
    https://www.example4.com/page-with-virus/
    https://www.example5.com/page-with-malware/
    https://www.example6.com/page-with-illegal-content/
    
    # Link a siti web che sono stati penalizzati dai motori di ricercaLinks to websites that have been penalized by search engines
    https://www.example7.com/penalized-for-spam/
    https://www.example8.com/penalized-for-repeated-content/
    https://www.example9.com/penalized-for-bad-links/

    In this example, the disavow file contains links to websites that have been identified as harmful to the website www.mydomain.com. The links have been classified based on the type of damage they can cause: low quality, harmful content, or penalization by search engines.

    The disavow tool is a powerful tool that can protect your website from unwanted backlinks and improve its position in search results. However, it should be used with caution and only after conducting a thorough backlink audit . Ignoring malicious links could cost you a lot in terms of visibility, while improper use of the disavow file could cause your site to lose useful links .

    Remember that not all low-quality links need to be disavowed, as Google can filter out many of them automatically. However, if you are facing a negative SEO attack or notice a significant drop in rankings, using the disavow tool may be the right solution.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    1. What is disavow file?
      It is a text file used to ask Google to ignore specific malicious or unwanted backlinks .
    2. When should I use the disavow tool?
      When you notice an increase in bad links or if you suspect a negative SEO attack .
    3. Can I remove individual URLs with the disavow file?
      Yes, you can specify individual URLs or entire domains to ignore.
    4. How do I upload a disavow file to Google?
      The file can be uploaded via the Google Search Console , in the “Disavow Links” section.
    5. How long does it take for Google to ignore links?
      The process can take several weeks, depending on how often your site is crawled.
    6. Can I update an existing disavow file?
      Yes, you can update and re-upload the file whenever you identify new backlinks to disavow.
    7. What happens if I disown a useful link?
      The site could lose a valuable backlink , negatively impacting the ranking.
    8. What tools can I use to identify bad backlinks?
      Ahrefs, SEMrush, Moz, and Google Search Console are some of the most popular.
    9. What are toxic links?
      These are backlinks from spam or untrustworthy sites that can damage a site’s SEO.
    10. Is the disavow tool necessary for all sites?
      Not always. It is mainly recommended for sites with problematic or suspicious backlinks .
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