New Google Mobile Features: Shortcut Local Icons, Query Builder

At today’s Google Inside Search event in San Francisco, a number of new features were unveiled for both mobile and desktop search, which we’ll cover in detail across Search Engine Land. For mobile search, these changes are launching immediately for Android (version 2.2+) and iOS (version 4.0+) in 40 languages worldwide, including: Local icons on mobile […]

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At today’s Google Inside Search event in San Francisco, a number of new features were unveiled for both mobile and desktop search, which we’ll cover in detail across Search Engine Land.

For mobile search, these changes are launching immediately for Android (version 2.2+) and iOS (version 4.0+) in 40 languages worldwide, including:

  • Local icons on mobile interface – Restaurants, Bars, Coffee Shops & More
  • Query building
  • Interactive results for financial searches
  • Goggles now translates into Russian

Local Shortcut Icons On Mobile Homepage

The local icons at the bottom of the mobile search homepage are one of the biggest changes, offering users a way to quickly do location-based searches for some of the most common topics when they’re out and about with their smartphones.

The biggest change on the following mobile search results page is the static map in relation to the list of results which you can scroll through to view details as you view each result in comparison to your current location on the map.  (The map doesn’t move, only the pinpoints.)

For mobile travel searches, or people unfamiliar with a new area, this is definitely a handy feature to have as you explore what’s nearby, particularly if you have a long list of options.

Screenshot Mobilehome1Screenshot Mobilelocal2

Faster Mobile Searches, Build Better Queries Quicker

The “plus” sign feature was already available in Google Search apps for Android and iOS devices, but now this change is rolling out to standard mobile browsers. You can now build complicated searches more quickly using autocomplete and by tapping suggested words into the search box.

Screenshot Mobileautocomp1Screenshot Mobileautocomp3

Interactive Financial Queries on Mobile

  • Go to google.com on your iPhone or Android-powered device (2.1 or later) and search for your favorite stock symbol. You’ll see an interactive graph shown on a card; you can switch views to different date ranges by tapping on the buttons below the graph.

Further details are available on the Google Mobile blog.

 


Opinions expressed in this article are those of the guest author and not necessarily Search Engine Land. Staff authors are listed here.


About the author

Elisabeth Osmeloski
Contributor
Elisabeth Osmeloski was Director of Audience Development for Search Engine Land and MarTech. She was responsible for increasing readership through owned, earned and paid media channels. In addition, she assists in programming sessions at Third Door Media's Search Marketing Expo conference series and manages speaking engagements for editorial staff. Follow her on Twitter @elisabethos.

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