Seeing different Google 3-Pack results on Android mobile browsers vs. IOS mobile browsers. Why is this?

[RosemaryB]

I am researching new SEO recommendations in lieu of Google's controversial "3-Pack" update.   I am noticing very different results in the Google 3-Pack on a android mobile browser when I do a local search query versus a query in apple mobile browser.  For example if I do a Google search for "Seattle Sporting Goods" I am able to see direction links and full address numbers for businesses in the 3-Pack.   However the same query on a Android phone provides only "teaser" street name results, no direction links but still shows business reviews.

Is it possible that the 3-Pack update is still in flux?  Shouldn't the Google 3-Pack show uniform results across all different mobile browsers?  This could impact my SEO recommendations.

[MiriamEllis]

Hi Rosemary,

The dust has definitely not settled. Linda Buquet and Joy Hawkins have been documenting numerous different Snack Pack styles. Here are some links to get you started on this:

http://imprezziomarketing.com/seo-blog/google-maps/4-observations-about-googles-new-snak-pak-local-search-display/

http://www.localsearchforum.com/google-local/35962-no-reviews-stars-new-local-3-pack-yet-another-google-test.html

Linda has quite a few threads on her forum regarding the Snack Pack, so you might comb through those to see if anyone has reported what you are seeing regarding Android vs. Apple. I can't recall, per se, seeing that mentioned, but there has been so much news about this, it's hard to remember everything If no one else has documented it, maybe you'd like to!

From what I've seen, I don't believe Google has settled on a preferred style of these yet, hence the variations being reported. Stirring times!