Hot on the heels of Google’s public +1 button launch, they have also just announced they are retiring the Google Checkout badge from their paid search results.

Google originally claimed that these paid search ads would receive better click through rates and inspire stronger consumer confidence – it would be interesting to hear opinions from merchants who have comparative data.

We do know that it’s very likely Google will incorporate the new +1 button with Adwords ads, so this change may be in preparation for that.

Another fledgling theory is that this may be somehow connected to Google Wallet – in which case perhaps there’s a shake up or merging of Google’s financial transaction products.

Here’s what little Google has to say about it:

Over the last few years, we’ve tested and launched many new extensions to ads on Google search results, including ad sitelinks, product extensions, seller rating extensions, call extensions, and location extensions. We’re constantly making changes aimed at improving the user experience and advertiser ROI.

Let me just run that through Google Translate:…

We think we’ve found a way to make more money from this SERP real estate.
 

It would be good to hear a more specific response, especially since this may financially affect paying advertisers.