Google unveils new iPad search app

Users of Apple Inc.’s iPad can now have an easier time searching the Internet with Google with its new upgraded app for the popular tablet computer.

 

Software engineer Daniel Fish said the search app is now more interactive and more visual, with an image carousel that allows users to swipe through images.

 

“Whether you’re doing research and comparing results, or exploring beautiful imagery, we have added new features to make the app more interactive, more visual and to help you find what you want more easily,” Fish said in a blog post.

 

He said the app starts to display results as soon as a user begins to type, such that one does not even need to press the search button.

 

Picking a web page to visit will have the page load on a new, slide-in pane that will layer over the search results, he said.

 

“You can slide the pane to the right to get back to your search results, and even keep scrolling through the results as your web page is loading. This allows you to go back and forth from results to web pages quickly to get the information you are looking for,” he said.

 

Search results can be viewed on the left and a web page on the right in the slide-in pane, he added.

 

On the other hand, a visual carousel allows one to swipe right to view snapshots of pages one has visited, stacked and organized by search term.

 

Past searches can be seen with a new, visual history via Instant Previews, he added.

 

“Tapping on an icon in the top right of the screen brings you into a visual preview of the pages for your search result, easy to scroll through with the swipe of a finger,” he said.

 

Fish also said a few extra features including a magnifying glass on the top right-hand corner to highlight the most relevant section of the page.

 

One can also recommend pages one likes with the new +1 button, right next to the magnifying glass, and help others find relevant sites more easily as well.

 

“We’ve also made it easier to find and use your favorite Google services like Google News, Calendar and more in the new Apps menu. Tap on an icon to quickly read an email in Gmail, or share a post on Google+ within the slide-in pane. When you slide the pane to the right, you’ll be right back to searching,” Fish said.

 

The app is available worldwide for iPads with iOS 4.0+. — TJD, GMA News