Comments on: Google Updates Mobile Pack Display

By: Dave

Dave — Mon, 25 Feb 2013 17:30:38 +0000

If you come from the iOS world more than Android, you might not have realized: this is one of many changes that are bringing various SERPS to match the style of Google Now cards, as seen in the latest versions of Android. I’ve recently noticed that searches for “weather” on the desktop finally show as a Google Now-style card, too.

By: Andy Kuiper

Andy Kuiper — Sat, 23 Feb 2013 19:40:38 +0000

I find the new version of text a bit washed out, and the bolded text to be too dark. I like the blue (links) though – they look a bit thinner and more modern

By: Phil Rozek

Phil Rozek — Sat, 23 Feb 2013 04:33:07 +0000

Thanks for also verifying that I’m not crazy, Mike. It definitely wasn’t looking this way on my iPhone as of a couple days ago.

I like the new look. Not sure Jakob Nielsen would like it, though (no underlining on the links).

By: Mike Blumenthal

Mike Blumenthal — Fri, 22 Feb 2013 15:46:29 +0000

@John
The only current mobile review option is via app but not via the general web interface.

By: John

John — Fri, 22 Feb 2013 15:44:54 +0000

Mike – Just want to thank you for all of your hard work through the constant evolution that is Google Local…I have been creating/managing listings for clients for 5+ years and can always count on you to share a huge tip or to validate my own findings – so thanks & kudos for your diligence. Last I knew, there was no option to leave a G+ review from mobile. Anything new & shiny on that front?

By: Mike Blumenthal

Mike Blumenthal — Fri, 22 Feb 2013 14:58:52 +0000

@Nick
Thanks for confirming that I am not crazy. I thought I checked about a week ago but didn’t have a screen shot to verify my sanity against. I hate announcing new and shiny things that aren’t new and shiny.

By: Ben

Ben — Fri, 22 Feb 2013 13:05:43 +0000

@Mike – Thanks for clarifying that for me. I appreciate that.

By: Mike Blumenthal

Mike Blumenthal — Fri, 22 Feb 2013 13:00:09 +0000

@Ben

The distance option is a faceted search option that appears when you are searching in an area other than your actual location and/or Google Maps does not know your precise location (perhaps because you haven’t allowed it).

The distance option has been visible for several months (although still relatively new). As you noted when you choose it, it then takes you over to Places results that are still using the old style display. So I guess you can not assume that the new look is associate with a change in the way that they return results as they did not happen simultaneously.

By: Ben

Ben — Fri, 22 Feb 2013 12:51:11 +0000

I don’t ever remember seeing the “Distance” option on the top of those mobile local web search results. When I did a search just now on my phone I chose 5 miles and it returned the old style of results and took me to “Places” instead of “Web”.

Would it be safe to assume that anytime Google rolls out a new look for a particular SERP that it is associated with a change in the way they return the results as well? Whether at the same time or around the same time?

By: Nick

Nick — Fri, 22 Feb 2013 10:32:44 +0000

I can only speak on behalf of the UK, but I believe this changed rolled out approximately 48 hours ago. I know this as I’m constantly doing searches on the Mobile – this is primarily me checking up on clients rankings progress. What I can confirm is that at the start of this week (or Sunday 17th February evening), we still had the old display. I think it may of changed on Tuesday or Wednesday. Anyway, thank you for reporting it – I agree that it’s an effective change and makes the local results far more prominent.