Related links and additional information aim to improve online search

Google is testing an enhanced search feature that presents users with additional result information.

Screenshots of the service appeared on the web earlier this week showing search results with an expansion button that presents longer excerpts from linked sites as well as links to related content and a 'search this site' option.

The feature appeared at seemingly random moments with online searches, and appears to be related to the Orion technology that Google acquired earlier this month.

The formula works by finding content related to a key word and showing the results including topics relevant to the search.

It was written by 26 year-old Ori Allon when he was a doctoral student at the University of New South Wales, and is named after him. Google has purchased the rights to the technology.

The added information could allow web users to better judge what a linked website offers, providing an improved way to find online content.

Google did not return a request for comment.