Google launches 'nostalgic' text-only search filter worldwide
Google is introducing a new button to its search engine that will appeal to everyone who remembers Google from years ago - when the search results list only displayed website links. This is another one of the search result filters that can be used similarly to "images" or "news."
The change includes adding another filter to the search and limiting the results to text-only web pages. In other words, Google will then be free of sales offers, suggested images, news, videos, and overlays based on AI just announced at Google I/O 2024, or additional business cards - describes The Verge. In this mode, Google will look as it did many years ago.
What's more, the change is effective immediately. Google confirmed on social media that the implementation is already underway, and the new button will soon be available to all users in the US and other regions, including Europe. By clicking on the initially titled "Web" button, we will change the Google search results page to a clear list of links with summaries of the pages.
Unfortunately, the "Web" filter may not always be visible on the list next to "All" results on the top bar. In some situations, the user must first select the dropdown list "More" to find the new button. At this point, it is unknown whether Google will change this approach in the future and whether this particular filter will be permanently promoted to the top bar - that would likely be more convenient.
The Verge also points out that, although the new filter will undoubtedly appeal to many users and be useful in many cases, it is not always the best solution. For example, when searching for fresh information on political events or local occurrences, the standard Google view, which allows more convenient access to similar queries or articles, might be more practical.
According to Google, the new button is already being implemented worldwide. It may take a few days before every Google user sees the new filter on their computer, but it could be visible to everyone at any moment now.
