Google's AI-powered Feature Enhances Search Experience
Since this year's annual I/O developer conference, Google has been emphasizing its focus on AI, and we have seen AI-related features being integrated into various Google products, from Search to Workspace. However, Google Chrome continues to introduce new features steadily on both desktop and mobile platforms. Recently, a convenient way to quickly look up businesses in Chrome for Android has been revealed.
Typically, when searching for a business in Chrome for Android, users utilize the address bar or the Google Search bar on the New Tab Page (NTP). The search recommendations are usually accurate enough that a partial query can display the desired business or place, such as a restaurant or a nearby Walmart. The search results provide buttons for directions in Maps, calling the business, or visiting its website.
This process can sometimes be cumbersome. Therefore, Google seems to have streamlined it in Chrome Dev version 116.0.5842.3, which is available on the Play Store. When searching for a location on our devices, we noticed buttons to call, navigate, and read reviews for the place directly in the search recommendations, even before typing out the complete name of the business.
It's worth noting that these shortcuts were available only for the topmost business on the list, which Google believed to be the best match for our search. However, having these shortcuts appear directly in the recommendations saves valuable seconds when determining if a restaurant is worth visiting or how far the nearest auto parts store is.
Interestingly, Google does not rearrange the buttons based on the type of business being searched. For example, when looking up a bakery, it would be helpful if the reviews button were the foremost, but when searching for a business that offers custom orders, like a florist, the call button appeared first. There is potential for Google to incorporate such modifications in the future.
Currently, we hope to see this feature remain in Chrome 116 and be implemented in the stable channel. However, the new button placement appears to be a server-side switch, even in the dev channel, possibly as part of an A/B test. Consequently, we couldn't observe it running on many other phones with the same version of the browser. It would also be great to see similar changes in the main Google app, which handles the Search widget on Android.
