Google has had a rough time with its iOS software over the past few weeks. The search company released a disappointing Gmail app for the iPhone earlier this month, but immediately pulled it due to problems with push notifications and other glitches.
The app was resurrected in the App Store recently, but many of its problems were not resolved. Today, however, Google has redeemed itself a bit with an update to its search interface, as it brings several welcome changes to the iPad version…
The new UI in the iPad edition of Google’s Search app is actually a joy to use. The main screen features a large search field and four grey icons. One takes you to your search history, one enables a voice search, one launches Google Goggles, and the other opens the app menu.
The search function works well and uses Google Instant to show you live results as you type. The Voice Search feature also works well. The app menu can either mean the world to you, or nothing to you, depending on how many of Google’s services you use.
Gmail, Google Calendar, Google Docs, and other Google apps are built right into Google Search. You can login to and use the services without needing to switch out of the application, which is very handy. Google+, Google Maps, and Google Offers are also integrated.
The bottom line is that the new Google Search update makes a good app great, especially for iPad users. If you want to check it out for yourself, you can download the updated app for the iPad in the App Store.
What do you think of the new Google Search for iPad?