Google removes ‘Instant Search’ to aid mobile interface

INQUIRER.net file photo

Most people nowadays rely on Google search for a quick and easy way to attain answers to whatever query they may have.

With smartphones becoming the most used tool to conduct such searches, Google has decided to remove its Instant Search feature, particularly since the feature doesn’t appear to make much sense in the now-preferred platform.

“We launched Google Instant back in 2010 with the goal to provide users with the information they need as quickly as possible, even as they typed their searches on desktop devices,” Google’s statement to Search Engine Land read.

“Since then, many more of our searches happen on mobile, with very different input and interaction and screen constraints. With this in mind, we have decided to remove Google Instant, so we can focus on ways to make Search even faster and more fluid on all devices,” Google explained.

The search optimization feature, which debuted in 2010, was introduced to collectively cut off millions of seconds per hour by fielding results as fast as possible and cutting down overall search time.

However, the feature was originally intended for desktop users and eventually became a “redundant tool” due to the rise of Google users who prefer mobile searching.

Although the feature remains helpful for PC users, those on mobile screens interact with software through fingers and virtual buttons. Furthermore, loading the results page on top of the virtual keyboard design isn’t exactly a user-friendly experience for most.

Meanwhile, instead of the recommended search results, mobile Google users will now have “auto-complete” suggestions in the drop-down menu. Khristian Ibarrola/JB

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