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Google makes mobile search suggestions a popularity contest

Google has optimized its site for Android phones and iPhone, making search suggestions contextual to your U.S. location.

Jessica Dolcourt Senior Director, Commerce & Content Operations
Jessica Dolcourt is a passionate content strategist and veteran leader of CNET coverage. As Senior Director of Commerce & Content Operations, she leads a number of teams, including Commerce, How-To and Performance Optimization. Her CNET career began in 2006, testing desktop and mobile software for Download.com and CNET, including the first iPhone and Android apps and operating systems. She continued to review, report on and write a wide range of commentary and analysis on all things phones, with an emphasis on iPhone and Samsung. Jessica was one of the first people in the world to test, review and report on foldable phones and 5G wireless speeds. Jessica began leading CNET's How-To section for tips and FAQs in 2019, guiding coverage of topics ranging from personal finance to phones and home. She holds an MA with Distinction from the University of Warwick (UK).
Expertise Content strategy, team leadership, audience engagement, iPhone, Samsung, Android, iOS, tips and FAQs.
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Jessica Dolcourt

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

Google's localized search suggestions for iPhone and Android
Though Bostonians are clearly a museum-minded folk, San Franciscans seem to be able to juggle both museums and Muse lyrics. 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."

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