Ongoing Google Ch, ch, ch, ch, changes

Google has confirmed that as part of its ongoing rollout of changes across their properties, they will be applying the new search interface to all U.S. searches very soon. This is part of an ongoing strategy by Google to move to a sleeker interface with a decidedly “mobile” feel to the search results pages.

David Bowie Changes
Some of the options include the ability to search verticals like Images, News and Maps are being moved from the left side of the screen and are now placed at the top above the search results. The advanced search tools and filters will be moved under the Search Tools option on the right side of the page. Google announced that it would be implementing the new interface to the U.S. and all other areas as soon as possible.

"We’ve been working on ways to create a consistent search experience across the wide variety of devices and screen sizes people use today. We started with tablets last year, got it to mobile phones a few weeks ago, and are now rolling out to the desktop,&quote says Google Search Lead Designer Jon Wiley. "With the new design, there’s a bit more breathing room, and more focus on the answers you’re looking for, whether from web results or from a feature like the Knowledge Graph."

The changes of course are not without a certain amount of criticism or skepticism. Wordstream Founder Larry Kim commented that this is clearly an attempt to create more space for ads above the fold.

"Even though Google’s stated goal of the new SERP layout is to improve usability (which i believe to be true), we should ask ourselves what additional motivations they might have, and why Google making the change to the SERP layout right now?" Kim tells WebProNews. "After all, the previous SERP layout was in place for many years."