Google tweaks search app for iPhone, iPad

Using the Google Search application on the iPad or the iPhone, just got better with the search giant getting some major tweaks to it. iPad, iPhone users who used Google's search application before didn't find it to bring in anything different, than what already exists on its desktop version to the table(t). Now, however, an official blog post on Google Mobile Blog by Daniel Fish, Software Engineer, Google Search app, followed by a video confirm that Google has paid heed, and has brought the app out in a visibly new avatar. Fish states, "We have added new features to make the app more interactive, more visual and to help you find what you want more easily."

For starters, iPad users will be able to see their search results listing and the websites be placed side-by-side, to run through your results quickly. The post further states that 'speed' during search has improved in the new app, considering that as soon as the user starts entering his search, Google Instant starts quickly throwing results. On any typical results page, the user finds a listing of results; on the new app clicking on the chosen link will create a slide-in pane, which will roll over to the search page. Rolling back the pane, will get the user back to the search results page.

Image viewing, too has undergone changes. Now, users can swipe through the screen, and watch the new image carousel open the selected images on a fullscreen mode. "Tap on any image result to use the new image carousel, which lets beautiful images shine. You’ll see the image you selected expand, and you can easily swipe through the carousel to see other similar images." With the Instant Previews feature, where snapshots of the users can compare their search results and decide which one answers their query best. Impressive!

A new 'magnify' option, lets users search for the most relevant details within a web page. All users need to do is click the icon on the page. The post further states that the app makes it easier to locate Google's other popular services like - Gmail, Calendar, Docs, among others by going to the App menu. By clicking on the icon, users will be able to read a particular email in Gmail. Also inclusive is Google Instant and search suggestions, which quickly get users their search results. With Visual Search History, users can go back to their past searches.

Users with iPads with iOS 4.0 and above can avail this app. It is available for download off the App Store, here