Facebook can now search for photos based on descriptions

Facebook is getting a backend update regarding its search feature, thanks to its computer vision platform. Users will now be able to search for photos based on the contents of the image.

The Verge reports that keywords describing the contents of a photo will now highlight posts that match the description, no photo tags necessary.

These search results will place higher in the grid with other relevant photos listed after them. The functionality is similar to the image-recognition feature on Google Photos or iOS 10. For example, a keyword search of “pictures of pizza” will show photos from friends and public results that feature pizza in them, be it ad, group photos, or memes.

Facebook also appears to tie search results from other context clues, such as captions and comments.

The update is available to mobile and web users in the U.S. but some local users in the Philippines may also be able to use the new search feature. This aligns with Facebook’s efforts to integrate computer vision technology into consumer-friendly products. TechCrunch notes that eventually, the feature will also be applied to video searches.

The funny thing about this feature is that it even recognizes slang keywords—say, ‘waifu,’—but will produce varied results when searching for ‘cute pictures of me.’ Alfred Bayle

source: technology.inquirer.net

Facebook lets you search for old posts

Facebook users looking for a memorable post will now have an easier time doing so, after the social networking giant beefed up its search capabilities to find specific posts.

In a blog post, Facebook vice president of search Tom Stocky said search results are personalized, and only the user can see things that have been shared with him or her.

 

"With a quick search, you can get back to a fun video from your graduation, a news article you’ve been meaning to read, or photos from your friend’s wedding last summer," Stocky said.

 

He said the beefed-up search will be available not only for desktop and laptop computers, but also for the iPhone. The updates are to roll out this week.

"Search at Facebook is a long-term effort. Today is a step toward helping you tap into the experiences and perspectives of your friends," Stocky said.

 

A separate report on tech site Mashable said that before this, typing something like "Hawaii" into Facebook's search box would only lead to pages and apps related to Hawaii.

 

Now, it said the search results page will display all the posts a user previously viewed that contain the word "Hawaii."

 

"Facebook has been testing it on a small subset of users since September 2013," it added.  — ELR, GMA News

 

source: gmanetwork.com