This is going to be very interesting to watch. I don't know if I'll like it, but I'm interested to learn more about it.
I put icon sized images next to text links I directly sell on my site. The irony is that I do this because indirectly Google made me do it. They complained that my text ads look too much like Google AdSense ads and I kept changing and they weren't happy with my changes until I got the idea to add the small images. I would have never done this on my own, but I must admit I like the way it makes my direct sale text ads look.
Too desperate. Way too desperate. First they take borders off by default, and now they're experimenting with this little trick? What's going on in the GooglePlex. I remember a time the founders would joke "Aren't we making enough money?" when engineers suggested ways to improve Googles income by various little tweaks to the adverts. (I recall this in an article I read about a meeting a journalist was allowed in on). What's going on..? Pete
So I guess it's safe to say now, right? "Image next to ads is a-okay, kids." Just in case there were still questions.
I'd bet those images are placed by advertisers. If not, as an adwords advertiser, I'd have a serious problem with this.
I don't think those images are placed by advertisers.. but those are some generic images based on the keywords of the 'ad' for example.. at http://www.jensense.com/archives/2006/06/new_adsense_ver.html the images shows is a flower and the ad is also about flower. But who knows!
That's one benefit, but the real benefit is that publishers won't have to do the image thing and risk being banned if their images are too close, too far, or too-whatever.
I just hope the image is relevant to the ad, because the first image posted is a pic of a satelitte and the text ad is for like computer software.
..as I posted (screenshot & comment) in another thread on this subject here: Adsense is trying something new. Using image & text ads in 120x600 banners (http://forums.digitalpoint.com/showthread.php?t=101033) Shot is here: www.direct-drive.net/Image-in-AdSense-screenshot/
I would imagine, however, that each advertiser is given the option to opt into having generic images. Maybe google will employ hypnotic spiral animations next to ad links to get people to click.
I read on jenstar's blog. Its new beta testings and are available for international publishers. (on invitation only )