Google search to have phone bias

UNITED STATES: Anyone using a computer to find information can expect a second-class service within months after Google decided to give priority to mobile phone users.

At present all users get the same results for Google searches, whether they are using their computer, smartphone or tablet. The changes will mean the creation of a ‘‘primary index’’ for mobile searches and a secondary index for computers and tablets that will be updated less frequently.

The number of Google searches

"Google's confirmation that the desktop index would not be as up to date as the smartphone one raised the prospect of second-class surfing." Paul Armstrong, Here/Forth

carried out on phones overtook the numbers on other platforms last year and now account for about 60 per cent of the total.

Many out-of-date web pages look poor on mobiles and Google does not want customers getting these ‘‘bad’’ hits.

It has been considering splitting mobile and computer searches and has introduced algorithms to give mobile-friendly websites higher rankings in its search results. It has also provided open-source software to help publishers to create what it describes as rich content for mobile, featuring image galleries, videos and adverts.

The planned changes will continue its drive to bring ‘‘better, fresher’’ results to mobile users and to increase advertising revenue.

Technology experts said computer users would be disappointed after Google told customers last year: ‘‘Getting good, relevant answers when you search shouldn’t depend on what device you’re using. You should get the best answer possible, whether you’re on a phone, desktop or tablet.’’

They said the move could have significant implications for ordinary web surfers, businesses and the future of online content, depending on the implementation.

Paul Armstrong, of Here/Forth, a technology advisory company, said: ‘‘Google’s confirmation that the desktop index would not be as up to date as the smartphone one raised the prospect of second-class surfing. This move is another indication that Google clearly favours and will continue to favour mobile.’’

He added that because of Google’s ‘‘stranglehold’’ on searches, ‘‘this also has implications for the future of content as a whole because people link and write less when creating mobile-optimised sites.’’

Google said it had no new developments to announce but was always seeking ways of keeping search results relevant and useful. - The Times