This week, Google began implementing a new, colorful layout that provides more options for searchers than before. Instead of typing a search query and going through pages and pages of results, you'll now have the option of slimming down your choices. As The Register points out, the change is an obvious attempt to stay competitive against Microsoft's Bing, which touts itself as a user-friendly alternative to Google.

The change has already taken effect for many Google users, though it is apparently not across the board yet. If your Google searches look the same as always, expect to see the new layout within the coming days. The sorting options that now appear � by news, images, videos, maps, shopping, books, blogs, updates, discussions, time frame � were previously available, but most users did not know about them.

Here are some ways you can use the new layout to make your searches more efficient: