iPrecis - Precise, Personalized Web Search
iPrecis is an alternative search engine that you may not have heard about. For one thing, it is still in its closed alpha version, and secondly it was not a Top 100 Alternative Search Engine in 2007, but that may well change in 2008 when it launches!
What is iPrecis and how is iPrecis different than the other search engines out there? iPrecis is a custom search application that allows you to search sites that meet your own criteria. You always have the ability to select topic’s of interest and can add your own trusted sites to your search. You can also compare search results produced by iPrecis versus the top 100 (10 pages) results returned by Google.
iPrecis incorporates patent pending technology that allows you maximum flexibility to define and increase the relevance of your search. iPrecis will also import your del.icio.us and Bookmarks/Favorites that represent the sites that you already use often! I imported all of my favorites into my iPrecis site quite easily.
Here’s an example of how iPrecis will revolutionize your searching:
If you are interested in cooking you can add 100s of sites from the iPrecis cooking topic to your profile and any time you are looking for a recipe you can do a pinpoint search just on those cooking sites you have chosen. If you find a site not listed that you love, just add it and you can search that site as well! iPrecis takes the adware, spyware, “suggested sites”, irrelevancy, and wasted time out of your internet searching.
What is the iPrecis community?
iPrecis also has community functions that allow you to find other users with similar tags and interests. So, for my community, I searched for other users who are interested in Search, and I added them to my favorite profiles - including CEO Ed Bukstel. 
You can create your own profile and identify other iPrecis users with similar topic and domain interests. My profile is one of them, and you can probably guess my topics! They will be adding additional features to this social function based on the input they hear from you.
How does the iPrecis Toolbar work? The iPrecis Toolbar is a Firefox extension that allows users to automatically add trusted sites to your iPrecis profile while browsing. The iPrecis toolbar will also compare results returned from Google versus the sites that are found in your iPrecis profile. Again, I added the toolbar easily and now anytime that I am on an interesting site, I simply click “Add it!” and it’s done.
iPrecis looks forward to your feedback. They are committed to improving iPrecis for its users.
Editor’s note: Even though iPrecis is in closed Alpha, CEO Ed Bukstel has graciously extended an invitation to AltSearchEngines readers to join the trial and experience iPrecis first hand. You can take part now, just go to iPrecis and register. I encourage everyone to give it a try and then come back and leave a comment.
Please note:
If you use Firefox (IE version is coming), you can use this nifty Search Comparison feature. When you search on Google, the iPrecis search comparison window loads with a report showing how many of the Google search results are from your trusted sites. This feature can easily by enabled or disabled from the toolbar. Another innovative part of the iPrecis experience!
Try the Tour!
If you want a quick tour of iPrecis first, just click on “See iPrecis in Action” on the homepage to see their demo.
