With all of the noise around the changes to the Google desktop search interface and the rollout of Google+ their upgrade to their main web search interface in Safari has largely flown under the radar. Combined with their recent upgrade providing a full on Places experience within Safari, the two changes represent a major mobile upgrade.
Google previously also upgraded the Places interface positioning a fixed map at the top of the display, an infinite scroll of Places (very convenient) and an icon for each Place to be highlighted on the Map. One very disturbing aspect of the new interface is the ability to edit already claimed listings (see image below) via the report a problem link on the mobile Places page.
Google is a bit a of sticky wicket as far as Places and the iPhone is concerned. Apple controls the Maps application and it is likely that iOS5 will feature their in house Siri search product for local rather than Google. Google has struggled somewhat to find a successful combination of products on the iPhone given this reality. Their Maps and Places products in the Google app suite are not the easy to access or use. This recent move to upgrade their Safari presence comes off much better, providing a fluid and useful interface to their products.
