However, the launch of Axis could be more than a game changer just for Yahoo. It could be a gamer changer in the overall search market.

"I think the Yahoo visual search capabilities are more in line with the post-PC era," said Zeus Kerravala, an analyst with ZK Research. "Being able to look at an image that comes up from search criteria is much faster and optimized for touch... I think it creates an alternative to Google and Bing and that itself is a threat. We'll see how they respond, but it's the most unique thing I've seen from Yahoo in a long time."

Moorhead noted that visual search could be a problem for Google and Bing because it's a departure from the norm. "It breaks their user models," he added. "Yahoo can score immediate points with the fact they are even doing something unique. If Yahoo can develop a strong following with any demographic, they have won some ground."

Sharon Gaudin covers the Internet and Web 2.0, emerging technologies, and desktop and laptop chips for Computerworld. Follow Sharon on Twitter at , on or subscribe to . Her email address is .

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