Google debuts location-optimized mobile search

Google announced its mobile search service will now offer suggestions based on the phone's current or previous location in an effort to make results more relevant.  "For example, when users in the Boston metro area begin typing ‘Muse,' suggestions such as ‘museum of science boston' and ‘museum of fine arts boston' are provided because people near Boston frequently look for these very popular museums," write Google mobile engineering team members Natalia Marmasse and Scott Huffman on the Official Google Mobile Blog. "On the other hand, users in San Francisco who begin their query with ‘Muse' will see suggestions for museums in the San Francisco area."

The search enhancements are optimized for Apple's iPhone as well as smartphones running Google's own Android operating system. In order to implement the new functionality, users must turn on "Save recent locations" and "Allow use of device location" under the Settings link on the google.com home page.

For more on the Google search upgrade:
- read this Official Google Mobile Blog entry

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