Google Instant Previews on mobile now

zerocool84

Lifer
Nov 11, 2004
36,041
472
126
We've never had a use for Google Instant Search on mobile, so we didn't expect much when Google's Instant Previews invaded the smartphone realm as well. You know what? They're actually surprisingly useful. Instead of trying to cram additional information into Google's already-crowded mobile website, Instant Previews adds a little magnifying glass next to most every result instead, and clicking on the magnifier brings up a series of cached thumbnails of each page that you can scroll through in portrait or landscape modes. It's a very visual way of finding what you're looking for, and more importantly, it's quick even over 3G, saving time and mobile bandwidth that would otherwise be spent clicking through links one by one. Rather than decipher that long-winded explanation, though, why don't you try it out for yourself or watch our video demonstration after the break?

You guys really need to check out the video to see how it is. It's real slick. I'll actually use Instant on mobile now. Oh and before any flame wars begin, this isn't only on Android 2.2+ but also iOS4+ as well.

http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/08/google-brings-instant-previews-to-mobile-makes-them-actually-us/
 

Spoooon

Lifer
Mar 3, 2000
11,563
203
106
It's pretty cool. The previews load quickly. Hard to tell whether it'll actually aid me in searching for stuff though.
 

TheStu

Moderator<br>Mobile Devices & Gadgets
Moderator
Sep 15, 2004
12,089
45
91
I can't stand instant search. Unless I am on both a really fast internet connection and a really fast browser, I can type faster than it can search. I don't mind the suggestions, that doesn't redraw the whole damn screen, but Instant Search gets turned off on every computer I use (Why is it on by default and why doesn't it change based on my google account?)
 

DivideBYZero

Lifer
May 18, 2001
24,117
2
0
I'm starting to hate Google Instant on the desktop with it choosing to complete phrases I don't want. I can't imagine how annoying it would be on a mobile device.
 

TheStu

Moderator<br>Mobile Devices & Gadgets
Moderator
Sep 15, 2004
12,089
45
91
Dear god in heaven, I think that DBZ and I are agreeing on something.
 

rudeguy

Lifer
Dec 27, 2001
47,351
14
61
I'm starting to hate Google Instant on the desktop with it choosing to complete phrases I don't want. I can't imagine how annoying it would be on a mobile device.

you can turn it off

I never go to google.com on my phone anyways. Just type in my search into the address bar