Yahoo seeks to shake up search, Web browsing

SAN FRANCISCO — Yahoo is joining the battle to redefine Internet search and taking aim at building a better Web browser, too.

The troubled Internet company’ is taking its shot with a tool called “Axis” that alters browsers made by other companies so search results can be displayed in a more convenient and compelling format.

Yahoo Inc. is releasing Axis in Apple’s app store late Wednesday. It also can be installed as a plug-in on most major browsers used on desktop computers and laptops.

Browsers running Axis can display search results in a panorama of visual thumbnails that can be scrolled through above a Web page. It’s a departure from search engines’ traditional presentation of a list of staid Web links that require more navigation and guesswork.