Google says it can shave off 5 seconds every time you search with Google Instant but there are a few tricks that will get the info from your screen to your brain even quicker. Read on for our rundown of the 5 Google Instant secrets we’ve discovered so far…
1 Get Google Instant right now
Google Instant is rolling out to folk with Google accounts over the next few days but if you haven’t got it yet, make sure you’re signed into Google and hit this Google Instant link. That’ll give you access to Google Instant right now.
2 Use the arrow key to flip through Google Instant results
As you type in Google Instant, you’ll get a dropdown list of suggested searches. Using the up and down arrow keys lets you move between the options and see the results automatically updated underneath. Clicking on a suggestion will take you straight to results for that term and remove the others.
3 Tab to auto-complete with Google Instant
As you type, Google Instant throws up predictions in grey (which explains that colour changing Google Doodle). You can quickly accept the next word Google Instant suggests by pressing Tab. That can save you a whole bunch of keystrokes and vital milliseconds.
4 Google Instant has hidden “I’m Feeling Lucky” smarts
Flick between suggested search terms in Google Instant with the up and down arrow keys. If a page that looks interesting is at the top of the results shown, you can jump right to it by hitting the right arrow key. That activates the “I’m feeling lucky” function to take you directly to the top result.
5 Use plus and minus to refine your Google Instant results
If you’re after results in Google Instant that contain a particular word or want to avoid sites featuring a certain combination, use the plus (+) and minus (-) signs. For instance, if you wanted Electricpig but nothing on Apple, just type Electricpig and add “-Apple” at the end.
Let us know what you make of Google Instant so far and share your own tips and tricks in the comments.
Out now | £free | Google
