Google is stepping up efforts to allow its users personalise their searches of the web.
The company has announced moves to allow users to share their own writings, photos, lists and other creative efforts, as well as to give consumers views of the web through their geographical location and search history.
iGoogle personalised web search launches this week.
The company is bringing together the more idiosyncratic approach to finding information on the Internet under the umbrella term "iGoogle", the new name for its enhanced personalised home page services.
Google is borrowing or reinventing ideas that have already become popular features on many social network sites such as MySpace, Facebook, Flickr, Bebo and Photobucket, where users are encouraged to share their own creative work with friends.
For example, to help users create personalised features on iGoogle, the company's "Gadget Maker" allows any user who knows how to upload a photo and fill out a simple Web form to publish their content without knowing computer coding.
This week, iGoogle personalised web search will be available in 40 countries and 26 languages, up from 22 nations and 15 languages where personalisation is now offered.