Google soups up search toolbar, adds new features
CNet Reports on the new Google Toolbar. One interesting feature of this new toolbar is the AutoLink feature. I haven't tried out the new toolbar yet, but this is what they say about the autolink feature:
The online review of a great new restaurant has the place's address but no map. You could type the restaurant's street, city, and ZIP code into the search box, but why bother, when clicking the Toolbar's AutoLink button will automatically create a link to an online map (US addresses only)? AutoLink can also link package tracking numbers to delivery status, VIN numbers (US) to vehicle history, and publication ISBN numbers to Amazon.com listings.
It sounds like it could be a useful feature, but it also is not clear if those links will include advertising links. If they are purchased by advertisers (adwords advertisers?), it sounds a lot like ezula's toptext and Microsoft's smart tags--both of which generated a lot of negative feedback from the public. Like I said, I haven't tried it out yet, but it seems like this is a little different because it sounds like it doesn't automatically add links to website content, it's an optional feature that requires the user to ask for "AutoLinks". Besides, this is Google, the darling of the Internet. They can't do anything evil, right?
The online review of a great new restaurant has the place's address but no map. You could type the restaurant's street, city, and ZIP code into the search box, but why bother, when clicking the Toolbar's AutoLink button will automatically create a link to an online map (US addresses only)? AutoLink can also link package tracking numbers to delivery status, VIN numbers (US) to vehicle history, and publication ISBN numbers to Amazon.com listings.
It sounds like it could be a useful feature, but it also is not clear if those links will include advertising links. If they are purchased by advertisers (adwords advertisers?), it sounds a lot like ezula's toptext and Microsoft's smart tags--both of which generated a lot of negative feedback from the public. Like I said, I haven't tried it out yet, but it seems like this is a little different because it sounds like it doesn't automatically add links to website content, it's an optional feature that requires the user to ask for "AutoLinks". Besides, this is Google, the darling of the Internet. They can't do anything evil, right?
posted by Dave @ 11:46 AM
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