Google has just released the beta version of Google Instant for iPhone and iPod Touch running iOS 4 or later.
Google Instant displays the search results as you type. Google believes that it makes search faster and saves valuable time.
Google had released the desktop version of Google Instant back in September.
Steve Kanefsky, Software Engineer at Google explains how the feature works:
Like the desktop version of Google Instant, when you type on your mobile device you’ll see predictions of what you might be searching for. If you type [anse], for example, you should see [ansel adams] along with other predictions. Results for the first prediction appear automatically, and tapping on the other predictions will display those results. Pressing the enter key or the search button skips the predictions and will display results for exactly what you’ve typed.
You can checkout the demo video of Google Instant:
The feature is currently available only in the US, Google is working to add support for additional countries and languages.
To try it out, go to google.com in your iPhone’s Safari browser and tap the Google Instant “Turn on” link beneath the search box. You can just tap the “Turn on” or “Turn off” link to enable or disable Google Instant.
I like the desktop version of Google Instant but I hardly go to google.com to search for things on the iPhone. I use the Google search box in iPhone’s Safari browser so I hope Google brings this feature to the search box sometime in the near future.
Do you like the Google Instant feature? Please let us know how well it works for you.
[via Google’s Mobile blog]
works in the google search bar as well which is what i always use i never go to google.com when i need to look something up
Are you seeing results or suggestions in the Google search bar?
Probably suggestions. People confuse instant with suggestions. I did, when I heard instant was coming out. I thought, "I already have that!"
suggestions when you use the google search bar in safari
That's true, it's a little confusing.
ok now i understand what instant is i got them confused i had to turn the beta on from the google.com screen
Ahh thought as much, Google Instant is more than just suggestions, it shows the results as you type. Go to google.com to check it out. It's pretty cool.
But some people don't like it. There is an easy way to enable or disable it, which is nice.
On Fri, Nov 5, 2010 at 2:18 AM, Admin@iPhoneHacks.com <admin@iphonehacks.com> wrote:
Ahh thought as much, Google Instant is more than just suggestions, it shows the results as you type. Go to google.com to check it out. It's pretty cool.
great for people who dont have unlimited data plans anymore…
Its now default on Google isint it?
i dont think so i had to turn it on to use it
Maybe its just me, but who actually goes to Google search site on their mobile device? especially android users that have a built in search bar app to which instant does not apply?
Cool idea but seems to have much more functionality on desktops