Google Search launches advanced autocomplete with the second column

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Google has officially launched a new advanced autocomplete search suggestion that could include a second column of predictions and provide easier access to search-related content, a Google spokesperson confirmed with Search Engine Land. Additionally, Google has confirmed that it is also testing a new edge-to-edge autocomplete interface and other full-width elements in the desktop search interface.

Improved automatic completion. The new advanced auto-complete interface can show additional search predictions, including people asking, people also searching, and other query-related content. Here is a screenshot of what it looks like:

The way you can turn it on, at least as we turned it on, is by doing a search in the Google desktop interface, then click the search box again and more predictions will appear on the right side. Here’s a GIF I made in action when I first noticed Google testing it.

Edge-to-edge auto-complete test. Google is also testing another variant of autocomplete that the search company calls “edge to edge.” This is where the search box merges directly with the other elements of the search results page. Essentially, Google removes the border around the box where you enter your search query, making it go from edge to edge with the rest of the search results.

Here is a screenshot I posted from @MusingPraveen on Twitter. Brodie Clark also delved into this edge-to-edge search interface.

More full-width tests. As you know, Google has confirmed the launch of an interface of local results and full-width map in search. Google is also testing other full-width elements that the search firm hasn’t fully launched yet, but continues to test. This includes a full-width image pack, full-width featured snippets, and more.

Overall Google told us that the search company is frequently testing and rolling out changes to different visual elements on various features within Google Search.

Because we care. Small or large changes to the Google Search interface can affect how users use Google Search. It can lead to where these users look, how often they may decide to conduct a new search, where that searcher can click, and so on. This could have a direct impact on click-through rates from Google search results to your website for a given query.

Search Engine Land News About the Author

Barry Schwartz, contributing editor of Search Engine Land and member of the programming team for SMX events. Owns RustyBrick, a New York-based web consulting firm. He also runs Search Engine Roundtable, a popular search blog on very advanced SEM topics. Barry’s personal blog is called Cartoon Barry and can be followed on Twitter here.

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