It used to be very convenient that when searching for something that had a geographic location, Google searches used to show a small map which linked to Google maps when pressed.
Now all I get i a tiny useless map, that doesn’t have any of the feature of Google maps, and often I don’t even get that.
Anyone know why that is? And if there is a fix?
I use Firefox, but I’m guessing it’s independent of browser, unless Google is up to their shenanigans again.
I’ve added Google maps as search option, which luckily is dead easy in Firefox to do. At the same time I added Open Street Map, to minimize Google map use to maybe show them they are losing traffic.
EDIT:
I think this is the reason as u/garrett@lemm.ee writes:
If you’re in Europe, it may be due to the DMA.
You may also have noticed something new on Google, when looking for the address of a place: It’s now impossible to click on the map that appears in your search results.
Google is one of the “gatekeepers” according to the DMA (Digital Markets Act). The law recently went into effect. It is supposed to lessen the amount of preferential treatment the big tech companies give themselves.
Yeah I don’t like Google either, and I actually didn’t use Google search as default for years, but used Qwant instead.
I really liked Qwant, but they often complain that I search too much, and I got annoyed by that.
I’ve also used Startpage and DuckDuckGo, they all have their strengths, like not being Google 😋 . And Google seems to have CLEARLY gotten worse IMO.
I was just trying to get a breather, and use a no hassle option for a while, which now seems to be failing.
The only other problem I had with Qwant was in fact maps/geographical searches suck, but since that doesn’t work with Google either, maybe I should just go back to Qwant?
I’m still wondering though if this Google maps thing with Google searches is a general thing, or maybe geographical or browser dependent?
Can you develop? Why do you prefer qwant over ddg for example.
I also dropped Google search mainly for two reason. First privacy, making money with my private data and so on. Then I find Google search is less and less good, the first thing being that sponsored links are first even if they don’t match well the search keywords and even not looking at sponsored links I think the results are much worse than in the past.
I now use duckduckgo and I’m happy with it but I can try something else.
I made self modifying assembly code on the C64, and programmed the hell out of blitter and copper on Amiga.
I don’t like modern programming, too abstract for my taste.
Regarding search engine I guess it boils down to which gives me results I can use the fastest. With Google having deductions due to privacy. It may also be how well I like the design.
The overall winner for me was Qwant, maybe because I’m from Europe? It has a good balance between local and international results. That tend to fit what I’m searching for. Google is way more heavily balanced towards local results, which is beginning to be a bit annoying. I prefer to not have to micro manage my searches too much.
Startpage on the other hand tends to show almost only international results.
You have to try them out, maybe test them on similar terms, and make your own personal observation, I don’t think you can say squarely that one is best.
Coming back to this after a while trying out. Qwant is indeed very nice in Europe at least. I tested it and adopted it, I also like the fact it have a map based on OSM which is nicer than the Apple thing in DDG.
Yes it is very nice, it’s strange it’s not more well known?