Google is sprucing up its search functionality by making location settings a little more straightforward.
"We're moving your location setting to the left-hand panel of the results page to make it easier for you to see and control your preferences," Mack Lu, associate product manager, wrote in a blog post. "With this new display you're still getting the same locally relevant results as before, but now it's much easier for you to see your location setting and make changes to it."
Users have always had the ability to change their location on Google, but Monday's update simplifies the process. Rather than having to click several links to change settings and location, users can now make the adjustment directly on the main search results page. On the left, Google will display your current location, with a drop-down "Change location" link directly below it.
Google said it tries to automatically detect users' locations, but sometimes the service is incorrect. Users might also want to search for locations in another city - if they're planning a vacation or business trip, for example.
"The location you set can be as specific as a particular zip code or as general as an entire country, but more specific settings generally lead to better search results," Lu wrote.
The new feature will soon be available in 40 languages. Google said the adjustment won't change the way it uses location information to improve search results, so its existing privacy policies will stay the same.
Recently, Google expanded its Latitude product to its own standalone Web site. First launched in 2009 as a mobile app and desktop widget, Latitude allows users to share their location with friends. Google also added to its location features in September with the purchase of Quiksee, a service that lets users create location-based videos.