Skip to main content

Google rolls out new search experience for tablets

Google has announced improvements to its search functionality on tablet devices. As is typically the rule in user interfaces, “the simpler the better,” and Google has taken large steps in that direction.

Like many of Google’s recent Web changes, the buttons and results types (images, places, videos, etc.) have increased in size. This should be welcome news for those of us with thicker digits who complain of constant fat fingerings.

The navigation bar that once resided on the left-hand side of the screen will disappear, freeing up more real estate for display. For image results, Google has not only improved loading times, but allowed for better thumbnails and previews, and enabled continuous scroll.

These changes are supposed to roll out over the coming days to iPad and Android 3.1+ tablets, so don’t get impatient if your tablet has not updated yet.

Not that Google needed to strengthen its hold on the search market, and not that the functionality on the tablet was that poor to begin with, but even these little tweaks are certainly indicative of the Internet giant’s constant focus on improving the search experience. Facebook investor (and amateur rock musician) Robert McNamee recently claimed that more search, roughly 50 percent, takes place outside Google, on sites like Match.com or Realtor.com, than Google would care to admit.

Even still, with little tweaks like this it’s clear that Google still does all that it can to keep people happily entering terms into the search bar.

Editors' Recommendations

Caleb Garling
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Get 32% off the cellular model of the iPad Pro 12.9 this weekend
The iPad Pro on a desk next to a stylus and AirPods.

If you've been thinking about getting the iPad Pro with cellular connectivity but you've been hoping to buy the tablet from iPad deals for a discount, this may be what you've been waiting for -- a 32% discount from Amazon's Woot on the 12.9-inch, Wi-Fi + Cellular model of the 2021 Apple iPad Pro with 128GB of storage. From $1,199, it's down to just $810, which is a steal price for this device with savings of $389. However, while there are still several days left on this offer, it's highly recommended that you proceed with the purchase immediately because there's a chance that stocks don't last that long.

Why you should buy the 2021 Apple iPad Pro 12.9
It's not the latest version of Apple's top-of-the-line tablet -- the honor goes to the 2022 Apple iPad Pro -- but the 2021 Apple iPad Pro is still a pretty powerful device by today's standards. That's because it's equipped with Apple's M1 chip, which promises fantastic speed and excellent graphics when you're working on your multimedia projects, multitasking between several apps, or playing console-level games. With its 12.9-inch Liquid Retina XDR touchscreen, you'll enjoy high-brightness and high-contrast content, and its mini-LED display provides deeper black levels and more vibrant colors.

Read more
Best tablet deals: iPad, Samsung Galaxy Tab, Fire, and more
Front face of Samsung Galaxy Tab S8.

Whether you’re shopping for one of the best iPads or one of the best tablets in general, it never hurts to keep an eye out for some savings. Tablet deals are often pretty easy to come by, with top tablet brands like Samsung, Apple, and even Microsoft having a tablet model or two discounted somewhere on the internet. We’ve scoured all of the current tablet deals and compiled them into what we feel are the best tablet deals going on right now. Reading onward you’ll find everything you need to know in order to save big on a new tablet, as well as some information on which of the best tablet deals may best suit your needs.
Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 Lite (32GB) -- $96, was $160

If you need an Android tablet for simple tasks like browsing the internet and watching streaming shows, the affordable Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 Lite may be enough for you. Its 8.7-inch screen is decent with WXGA+ resolution, while maintaining portability so you can easily hold the tablet in one hand. Its internal storage is limited at 32GB, but you can expand it by up to 1TB using a microSD card. For the clumsy ones, the Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 Lite is perfect for you because it's protected by a sturdy metal frame.

Read more
How to use Circle to Search on your Android phone
Samsung Galaxy S24 showing Circle to Search.

When Samsung announced its Galaxy S24 series, it also revealed a slew of new features in its Galaxy AI suite.

One of these new features is Circle to Search, which lets you easily search for anything on the screen with a simple gesture. It’s like a mashup of Google Lens and a screenshot search, and you can activate it from pretty much any app, not just your web browser.

Read more