Google: You (Auto)Complete Me

Yesterday Google launched a major update to their search engine that might have a far-reaching effect on online marketing. Now, instead of delivering results after the user has finished typing in keywords, Google dynamically updates the results page while the user is typing. While it’s possible to turn the option off and go back to the old search style, the new Google Instant is the default option for internet search.

The search is performed at a breakneck speed – when this writer tried it out, it was almost disconcerting to see the results page roiling and changing with every keystroke.

Google Instant is not yet present on cell phones; likewise, it won’t affect searches performed from browser toolbar boxes, like the ones included in Firefox and Opera. Meanwhile, the Internet is scrambling to find out just what this will mean for online marketing. What do you think? Let us know!

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