Google iPad App Updated, Makes Local Search Easier

Google on Tuesday announced an update to its iPad app that brings with it better local searches for restaurants, bars, and various other business locations.

Added to the app is a “carousel” that allows users to quickly scroll through business locations to find what they are searching for.

Users can search for a specific food genre, for example, and, based on their geographical location, the app displays restaurants that match their needs.

The carousel is optimized for Apple iPad devices which utilize capacitive touchscreen capabilities.

Not only are locations displayed, the program also provides easy access to Google map information when an image is selected. Google has also provided additional information via pop up, information that includes reviews and other business information.

The new Google iPad update is currently only available for English-speaking users.

Here’s the full Google+ post issued by Google:

“Starting today, English-speaking iPad users in the U.S. will see a new, interactive experience when they search for restaurants, bars or other local places on Google. In addition to the regular web results, a horizontal “carousel” of local results will appear at the top of the page. For example, say you’re located in New York City and you search for [ramen shops]. On the carousel, you can quickly and easily see a place’s overall review-based score, address and a picture related to the location. A quick swipe displays additional results. If you find a place you’re interested in, simply click on its image to get a card that can be expanded to show more detailed information, reviews, and more. If you really want to find a business in a specific geographic area, click on the “map” button in the upper right corner to view the same places on a fully interactive map.”

Google has been promising to expand its local search results for months, and this iPad update is one of the company’s first big pushes in that direction.