Google Uses Flex? (Google Uses Flex !!! )

Google, a seemingly pure C++/Java/JavaScript/Python shop is experimenting with Flex in their attempt to create better user interfaces. They (Google) recently launched a site called searchmash (http://www.searchmash.com/flash/search/#home). Google answered a few questions about searchmash in a recent interview (http://blog.searchenginewatch.com/blog/061002-192616) - the following are the most important excerpts (reproduced verbatim) from that interview:

• "SearchMash is an experimental search site operated by Google. The goal of SearchMash is to test innovative user interfaces in order to continually improve the overall search experience for our users."
• "The site does not include Google branding to help us gather more objective data about user response to new interfaces."
• "There is no guarantee that the features tested on SearchMash will be seen on Google search. As with all of our experiments, one of the main factors we will consider is user response to the feature and how well it addresses their needs."
• "This site is only a test and has traffic limitations so may be unavailable at times."

The fact that Google chose Flex as the platform to use when experimenting with how to create a better user experience (better user interfaces) says a hell of a lot about Flex. Good choice, Google.

You can go check out the Search Mash Flex Application now at http://www.searchmash.com/flash/search/#home . My advice, to see more features, is to search for Punjabi MC (or whoever your favorite band might be), click the 'video' tab, and click on an entry. It's a slick interface and, in my opinion, a much nicer search experience.