Expanded Product Information & 360 Degree Views Coming to Google Mobile Search

As shoppers prepare to line up for Black Friday madness, Google has made searching for product information on tablets and smartphones much easier and more enhanced. Calling it a “richer mobile shopping experience,” the latest update to search gives users highly detailed product information via expandable product cards.

As demonstrated in Figure 1 above, a search for the new Samsung Nexus 10 tablet on mobile now includes a “see more” feature that will display product specifications and user reviews. The results also display the merchants who are carrying the product. Jennifer Liu, Product Manager for Google Shopping, said that these features were added because shoppers want “more detailed information about a product before making a purchase decision.”

For local shoppers, Google refined that last feature by highlighting nearby stores that have products in stock. As Figure 2 below shows, searching for a DSLR camera now brings up the closest location to the user, as well as directions on how to get to that store. This feature is set to benefit local businesses greatly, as Google sees advertisers promoting their wares during the holiday season, long after shipping cutoffs have ended.

Perhaps the most practical feature Google has created is the 360 degree product view. Users can easily navigate around their device’s touchscreen to get a more detailed look at the product. With product specifications already displayed in the new drop down menu, it’s the closest shoppers will get to holding the actual product.

In order to help retailers “gain a greater share of voice on mobile,” Google has also provided some assistance to them through the Auction insights page. Retailers can ensure that their products gain more visibility as they will be able to determine how they are faring against competitors. Using the Auction insights report, retailers can also refine bid strategies and take note of any missed opportunities.

These are all essential tools for Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and the rest of the holiday shopping season.

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