(1)
Google seems to be swapping out the call and directions button in the local pack and replacing it with a featured image from the local business. I was personally able to replicate both user interfaces for the same query and screen shot it as Google seems to be rolling it out.
Zachary Palmer first spotted and posted on Google+, hat tip to Mike. Here is the screen shots of the before and after.
Before with call/directions button:
After with featured images:
Google used featured images for certain types of local queries before, such as restaurants and others but more often than not, showed the call/directions button.
It seems Google is doing away with those buttons, which I personally think is a bad idea. Nothing like searching for a place and clicking on the directions or call button quickly if you are in the car and on the go.
Mike said lLike with most recent changes this one, if it is a real rollout, seems to offer a mixed bag for the merchant and plus for Google and a few more steps for the searcher." A few more steps for the searcher isn't a great thing.
Forum discussion at Google+.
