Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer-readable storage media exposing video user interface elements associated with search engine homepages are provided. Upon receiving a request for presentation of a search engine homepage, a video file is transmitted for presentation as the background for the search engine homepage. The video file includes a plurality of sequentially-arranged frames, a portion of which contain the same content, making such portion appear as a static image upon play of the video file, and a portion of which contain content which differs, such that such portion has visually discernable movement upon play of the video file. After a predetermined amount of time, play of the video file is initiated. As only portions of the background content include visually discernable movement, a user's attention is attracted to such portions of the background. Upon user interaction with such portions, additional information about the background content may be presented.

Abstract: Methods and computer-readable media for determining relevant search categories, such as images, videos, news, health, maps, products, etc., and subcategories that are associated with the search categories based on a query submitted by a user on a search page and displaying the relevant search categories and subcategories on an initial search results page. A query may be inputted by a user and may be received. A set of suggested refinement links, which may include search categories and subcategories, may be identified as being relevant to the query. Further, the subcategories, when selected, may return narrower search results than when a selection is made of a search category. Additionally, the initial search results page may be generated and may include the set of suggested refinement links determined to be relevant to the query, as well as search results.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer-readable storage media for facilitating discoverability of user interface elements associated with search engine homepages are provided. When users navigate to a search engine homepage having a background image associated therewith and perform a specified action with respect thereto (for instance, moving a mouse pointer over the image, clicking on the image, or tapping on the image), a plurality of user interface elements is surfaced. Each user interface element is associated with information with which the user may be presented upon interaction with the element. Upon the user ceasing to perform the specified action (or upon the expiration of a predefined period of time), the user interface elements cease to be presented and the user is able to view the search engine homepage without the embedded information.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer-readable storage media are provided for selecting and serving user-customized search engine homepage experiences. Upon receiving a request for presentation of a search engine homepage from a user, data points about the user are accessed to determine the type of homepage experience the requesting user desires to receive. The type of homepage experience the user desires to receive may include a user-tailored image to be presented as the background of the search engine homepage. Upon determining the type of experience the user desires, a search engine homepage experience is selected for the user. In this way, the user is provided with a search engine homepage experience that is tailored to his or her interests and behavior, thus increasing user satisfaction and engagement with the search engine homepage.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer-readable storage media exposing video user interface elements associated with search engine homepages are provided. Upon receiving a request for presentation of a search engine homepage, a video file is transmitted for presentation as the background for the search engine homepage. The video file includes a plurality of sequentially-arranged frames, a portion of which contain the same content, making such portion appear as a static image upon play of the video file, and a portion of which contain content which differs, such that such portion has visually discernable movement upon play of the video file. After a predetermined amount of time, play of the video file is initiated. As only portions of the background content include visually discernable movement, a user's attention is attracted to such portions of the background. Upon user interaction with such portions, additional information about the background content may be presented.

Abstract: Methods and computer-readable media for determining relevant search categories, such as images, videos, news, health, maps, products, etc., and subcategories that are associated with the search categories based on a query submitted by a user on a search page and displaying the relevant search categories and subcategories on an initial search results page. A query may be inputted by a user and may be received. A set of suggested refinement links, which may include search categories and subcategories, may be identified as being relevant to the query. Further, the subcategories, when selected, may return narrower search results than when a selection is made of a search category. Additionally, the initial search results page may be generated and may include the set of suggested refinement links determined to be relevant to the query, as well as search results.