Drawing images with canvas is more efficient than let browser to render it?

Question

It seems google images search is using canvas to draw images and original images are hidden from the beginning.

Have anyone tested that?

Answer 1

I would imagine that this is multi-faceted. First, it likely helps to spur image piracy from Google's site (eliminating some liability). Also, it enables lazy loading and lazy rendering for the images. Consider that a more apt placeholder can be drawn during the loading period while still maintaining layout.