Google Launches Streamlined Mobile Search For Slow Connections

Have you ever needed to get some quick information on your smartphone, but found that Google’s search results were delayed due to an unusually slow connection speed? Google has announced its solution to this problem with a new, streamlined version of its mobile search interface that has been optimized to load quickly on slow connections.

The streamlined version of Google’s mobile search will automatically be used when needed, so users do not need to download anything or alter their smartphone settings to benefit from the new functionality. However, Google hasn’t indicated the specific criteria that it uses to determine when a connection is slow enough to activate the streamlined mobile search option, and there doesn’t appear to be a way to manually choose which version to use. Perhaps the company will add this ability in the future, as there may be people who would prefer to use the streamlined version even when their connection isn’t deemed slow enough to require it.

“You can use Google to search for just about anything and get answers in a flash,” Google wrote in its announcement. “But, when you’re searching on your phone, a slow connection can really hold things up. To make sure you’re not waiting on Google when you need it most, we’ve rolled out a streamlined Search results page that loads fast, even on those slow connections. You’ll get all the info you need in a simpler format that’s beautiful and easy to use. Best of all: there’s nothing new to download or update – the lighter version will kick in automatically when needed!”

Google provided the following example of its new streamlined mobile search:

The primary differences in the streamlined option are:

• Additional space dedicated to organic results
• No Google Maps integration
• Truncated quick answer boxes
• More streamlined ads

The following images show the streamlined interface on the left and the standard interface on the right:

It will be interesting to see whether or not Google adds the ability for users to select the streamlined version manually in the future, as it could prove to be the preferred choice for some, even when they have a fast connection. We’ll be watching to see if there are any updates to this functionality in the coming period.