AllThingD’s Kara Swisher does a wide ranging video interview with former Ask CEO Jim Lanzone. Among other things, Swisher and Lanzone discuss “the future of search” (at only the very highest level, however).

Lanzone discusses Ask3D and the general trend toward introducing more structured and multimedia content into search results, and the movement away from the proverbial “10 blue links.”

Regarding the Microsoft-Yahoo merger, Lanzone says it will benefit smaller search players in the market. He asserts that Microsoft’s cash might be able to fund greater innovation at Yahoo rather than shutting down innovation as some have asserted (assuming the deal goes through).

Swisher asks Lanzone for his predictions for search five years out. Lanzone opines that social media will be more integrated into general search. He also says that 30-40 percent of search could move to mobile devices in five years, but downplays the idea of most of that content being local.

Back on the desktop, Lanzone sees more “guidance” being provided to users in the form of query refinement and options after the query is entered into the search box.

Swisher asks, as a final question, “What’s the most hyped thing you’re seeing out there?” Lanzone replies, “beyond social networks, virtual worlds.”

Related Topics: Ask: Ask 3D | Ask: Employees

About The Author: Greg Sterling is a Contributing Editor at Search Engine Land. He writes a personal blog Screenwerk, about SoLoMo issues and connecting the dots between online and offline. He also posts at Internet2Go, which is focused on the mobile Internet. Follow him @gsterling. See more articles by Greg Sterling