Google revamps local movie search on Android, iOS

The holiday movie season is off to a miserable start (this weekend's domestic box office revenues hit a 2011 low of $77 million), but maybe Google (NASDAQ:GOOG) can help. The company is revamping mobile search for movies, showtimes and theaters, enabling Android and iOS device users to more easily discover what's playing in their vicinity.

Google movie search integrates with Fandango to offer ticket purchase options.

Google's new interactive movie search is highlighted by a swipeable ribbon that displays the most relevant information at the top of the page. For each movie, users will see the movie poster, a brief summary, ratings and the nearest theaters and showtimes, with all information instantly updating as they slide through the posters.

For additional information on a film, users may tap title to access details like a full plot summary and cast--in cases where there is a Play button, smartphone owners can also view official trailers.

Google movie search additionally integrates with moviegoer services provider Fandango to offer ticket purchase options. According to Fandango, ticket purchases on mobile devices have increased 73 percent in 2011: This summer, Fandango accounted for 19 percent ($32 million) of all tickets sold during Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part 2's opening weekend, adding that close to 20 percent ($6.5 million) of those sales originated via mobile.

For more:
- read this Google Mobile Blog entry

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