Google's shift from search to discovery, and more trends to take advantage of

Exploding Topics scours the internet to find emerging trends before they take off.

Here are four of the latest developments, along with some insights and analysis to help you take advantage.

1. SERP Features: How Google Is Shifting From Search to Discovery

Fewer people are clicking on Google's organic results than ever before, according to Sparktoro data. Instead, they largely find an answer to their query directly from a search engine results page (SERP) feature.

SERP features are any elements of Google search results beyond the traditional "10 blue links." Common SERP features include featured snippets, knowledge panels, Google Ad results, and top stories.

And a recent industry study found that 97.6% of Google results contain at least one of these features.

What’s Next:

SERP Features are one of many ways that Google is transitioning from a search engine to a discovery engine. Google has publicly announced that one of their goals for the next 20 years is to “shift from answers to journeys.” Features and products that they’ve rolled out to support this initiative include Google Lens, Google Discover and Google Web Stories.

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2. MiSTer FPGA: Developers Are Building Retro Gaming Consoles in Lockdown

MiSTer FPGA is programmable hardware designed to emulate classic console and arcade games.

Specifically, MiSTer FPGA is engineered to better match the original console’s “real” feel compared to software-based emulators. The circuit board also connects to TVs via HDMI.

Dozens of retro systems have been replicated into loadable core programs for the MiSTer FPGA hardware. Which means users can quickly load up classics like Super Mario World on the SNES.

This explains how the community project has quickly amassed 1.4K GitHub stars and 434 supporters on Patreon.

What’s next:

MiSTer FPGA is part of two growing meta trends: Retro Comeback Products and At Home Tinkering.

Other fast growing topics in the retro comeback category include fanny packs, the new Moto Razr and corduroy.

And the home tinkering meta trend has been amplified by COVID lockdowns. People are looking for fun and novel ways to occupy their time at home. Such as sourdough baking, setting up a garage gym, and composting.

3. Turmeric Masks: COVID-19 Meets Skincare

Searches for “turmeric masks” are up 113% over the last 5 years.

Although the science is still unclear, proponents believe that regular turmeric mask treatments can reduce incidents of acne and inflammation.

Leading brands in this space include Derma E, Hello Fab, and Kiehl’s.

What’s next:

The natural skincare market is currently worth $38.2B. And is expected to reach $54.5B by 2027. Other growing products in this space include retinol serum, jade rollers, hydrating sheet masks, and reusable makeup wipes.

4. Smart Grills: Remote Cooking and Remote Work Go Hand in Hand

Searches for “smart grills” have increased by 320% since we first covered it back in September. So we thought we’d take another look at this exploding topic.

Smart grills are outdoor grills with advanced features, like internal temperature regulation and automated recipes (similar to an Instant Pot).

Most also have IoT features, including the ability to manage the grill remotely with a smartphone.

Players in this emerging space include a mix of established grill brands with smart grill options (like Weber) and startups that specialize in smart grill tech (like Traeger).

What’s Next:

Smart grills are part of the Smart Appliance meta trend. 11% of American consumers currently own at least one smart appliance. And the smart appliance market is set to grow from $28.5B to $67B by 2025 (CAGR of 18.8%). Besides smart grills, other products driving this trend include smart scales, smart coffee makers, bluetooth thermometers, smart dishwashers, and smart ovens.

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