Google Instant Gives You Immediate Search Results

The media is a-buzz about Google Instant, which affords instant detailed search results as you type. But it's important to note that the "Instant" is not the new part of the equation, as most reports make it seem. It's the "detailed" that marks what's new about this service.

First, let me point out that when it comes to composing e-mails or text messages, I absolutely detest predictive text input. I'm not talking about the auto-complete function you'll get with the Apple iPhone, or the SureType system that's offered with the BlackBerry Pearl. I'm talking about that annoying T9 prediction option that attempts to determine what you're typing, and frequently gets it wrong. But when it comes to search engines, I love it. I can start typing in a person's name or series of keywords, and options will pop up automatically, allowing me to scroll down and pick the one I want effortlessly, without having to bother wasting my precious fingers' efforts to continue depressing keys. Keep in mind that prediction isn't a new feature with Google Instant; Google has had instant predictive input with its search engine for some time now. (For example, if you wanted to search for "Marketnews", you'll notice "Mapquest" come up as a top result once you type "Ma." Add the "r" and "k," and you'll see "marks work wearhouse," and finally "Marketnews" once you get to "Marketne.") The only real new innovation with Instant is that you not only see the results adjust within that tiny, central search box; you also see a list of the results being created, in real-time, as you type. That includes links, sources, cached text, and images. Currently, all you see is a blank, white screen in the background as you type.

According to Google, the idea is that people read (or at least scan) quicker than they can type. Essentially, the multi-tasking Google Instant will afford; being able to type while your eyes flitter across the results being generated in the background; will help Web surfers save time. In Google's eyes (pun intended) that could mean up to five seconds per search.

For those, like me, who tend to type pretty quickly, though, consider how many pages you'll see flashing in the background as you rapidly punch in the letters pertaining to the person, place, or keyword you seek. It might almost be enough to induce an immediate headache! (Then again, I haven't been able to try out Instant since my browser insists on forcing me over to the google.ca portal any time I try to surf to google.com, which is currently the only spot to try it out. You can get it via Google.ca if you log in to an account, but even then, the service is still in the midst of being rolled out, and hasn't quite reached my account just yet.)

I can, however, see how the instant nature of the detailed results can be helpful; being able to determine whether you're inputting the proper product's name or model number, for example, via things like thumbnail photos that depict what it looks like; or determining whether the search terms you're typing will generate the most accurate results without having to hit the "search" button and wait those agonizing two seconds first.

But where I would really see Google Instant coming in handy is through mobile devices; ironically, the one spot where it is not yet available. For one, people surfing on their mobiles are likely doing so in a relatively time-sensitive situation (i.e. trying to get directions to a spot they're headed, or find the phone number for the doctor's office while on the road.) Second, if you have a data plan with a very limited number of megabytes, the more data you can save by clicking instantly on the proper results you want, the better. And finally, it'll make navigating through search results easier on a mobile device that might not have the nicest screen, or the most intuitive layout for certain types of Webpages.

Naysayers need not worry: just like with T9, Google Instant can be turned off if you prefer not to use it. And using SafeSearch, you can filter results so that the kids don't see lewd images appear before their eyes as they begin typing a word with a few initial letters that could generate, er, questionable imagery. The service works across the most popular Web browsers, and will be rolling out the countries other than the U.S. shortly.

Have you tried Google Instant yet?