New Google Toolbar Upsets People

By Ian Bell February 21, 2005

According to News.com:

“When Web surfers install the toolbar in their Microsoft Internet Explorer Web browser and click the AutoLink button, Web pages with street addresses suddenly sprout links to Google’s map service by default. Book publishers’ ISBN numbers trigger links to Amazon.com, potentially luring shoppers away from competing book sellers such as BarnesandNoble.com. Vehicle ID licenses spawn links to Carfax.com, while package tracking numbers connect automatically to shippers’ Web sites.”

A similar hyperlinking advertising model named “Intellitext” is already running on several websites (including Designtechnica). While ingenious in theory, the new Google toolbar bypasses a webmasters control of the hyperlinking and puts it into the reader’s hands – with or without their consent by the sounds of it.

Read more at News.com

Read more at eWeek

Found VIA HardOCP

Editors' Recommendations

Publisher

I work with the best people in the world and get paid to play with gadgets. What's not to like?

Computing

How to get Wi-Fi access anywhere at any time

The Netgear Nighthawk AXE11000 Tri-Band Wi-Fi 6E Router on a table.

If you can't get Wi-Fi access at home, you're probably wondering what your options are or even if you have any options. You do! Your options for Wi-Fi access will vary depending on your own personal situation, but our guide below will show you what kinds of Wi-Fi access is available to you, should you find yourself without Wi-Fi at home.
Let's take a look at some free and paid ways to get Wi-Fi access.

If driving/commuting is an option

Computing

Here’s why I finally gave up on using Safari on my Mac

A MacBook owner using Google Sheets.

I have a web browser confession to make: I’m an inveterate tab hoarder. I’ve tried to change. I've tried to cull open tabs and tried to resist opening new ones -- but somehow the open tab counter just keeps on rising. At this point, I think I’m beyond saving.

What I’ve learned is that I need a web browser that can accommodate me, that has learned to accept my tab-based failings without judgement or chastisement. And after many years of trying, it turns out that Safari is not that browser.
The tab problem

Computing

How to switch back to classic Google Chrome design

Google Chrome with pinned tabs on a MacBook on a table.

Google Chrome, one of the most popular web browsers, underwent a significant redesign known as "Material You" a few months ago. While some users embraced the changes, others found them unappealing and disruptive to their browsing experience.

If you fall into the latter category and miss the classic Chrome design, there's good news – you can easily revert to the old layout with a few simple steps. We'll walk you through the process of switching back to the classic Google Chrome design.
When was the new Google Chrome design implemented?
Google announced the Material You redesign in September, but it took some time for all users to notice the changes. Many users observed the update in December. The alterations included subtle shifts in the placement of tabs, menus, and icons. While not overly invasive, there was a clear change, and some people simply don’t like change.
Switching back to the classic Google Chrome design
If you don’t like the Material You design, you can easily switch back to Chrome’s classic design by following the steps below.