Google has launched a new streamlined version of its search results page in India keeping in mind that most mobile connections in the country are still on the 2G network. The search giant claims that if a user is on a slow wireless connection it will be automatically detected and a fast loading version of Search will be delivered. It will eat up less data thereby reducing data consumption charges for users as well (even if marginally). The company also mentions that elements such as images and maps will only show up when they are an essential part of the result, which will further increase the page load time. Speaking to entrepreneurs and developers at an event organized by NASSCOM, during his visit to India for the launch of Android One, Google SVP Sundar Pichai had said that Android One tries to address the issues impacting growth of the Internet on mobile. According to him there are three main issues, hardware (People need to get access to the same quality of hardware), software (Phones aren’t very secure and the experience is inconsistent across devices) and connectivity (people don’t have access to quality connectivity). On the question of mobile internet connectivity it needs to be pointed out that rates for 2G mobile internet plans are quite high. This works as an entry-level barrier for several users, which in turn has stifled mass adoption of mobile Internet usage in India. In October last year, Airtel hiked its 2G data rates by 25-50…
