Google makes mobile search suggestions a popularity contest

Google continues to smile on iPhone and Android users. On Thursday, the search giant rolled out some localization improvements for U.S. searchers.

Though Bostonians are clearly a museum-minded folk, San Franciscans seem to be able to juggle both museums and Muse lyrics.

(Credit: Google)

Type a query into Google.com from either an Android device or the iPhone and Google will now spit out results based on your current or previously logged location. Search "muse" as Google did in its side-by-side screenshots above and you'll see the most-often-sought terms in your area.

Hence, it isn't exactly that Google has made its search suggestions any better at anticipating your intended query. More accurately, Google is relying on the hive mind to contextualize location-based searches.

Based on Google's test, localized search suggestions will work best for businesses, and maybe the odd search for British rock bands.

To make sure you get the full impact, go into the Google.com home page settings from your mobile browser and turn on "save recent locations" and "allow use of device location."