Google search engine homepage will be filled with widgets
The Google search engine homepage has always been known for its minimalist design, not overloaded with superfluous elements. However, that could change soon. Google is currently testing widgets that can be placed at the bottom of the main page of the desktop version of the search engine.
9to5Google, which has already tested the new feature, reports that a “Hide content” toggle appears in the lower right corner of Google’s homepage. The lower left corner displays the user’s location, along with a notification that the information offered is based on the user’s previous web activity.
These maps appear at the very bottom of google.com. There’s a ‘Hide Content’ toggle in the lower right corner, while Google notes your postcode/city and explains that the information offered is ‘based on your past activity’. When the window is fully expanded, six cards are offered and they all expand on hover:
When the Widgets feature is active and the browser window is full screen, the user gets six map widgets that expand when hovered over them. Users have the following six widgets:
- Weather: Condition icon (with) + temperature. Three-Day Hovering Forecast
- Trending: cover image with number of searches
- What to watch: Shows and movies with cover art
- Stocks/Markets: Daily Hover Chart
- Local events: with date
- Covid news
It should be noted that widgets are not currently available for all Google accounts. The company is likely testing the new feature and gathering feedback about it before deciding to roll it out in full.
Google sued for $2.4 billion for violating antitrust laws
Comparison shopping service PriceRunner recently accused Google of violating EU antitrust laws; and filed a lawsuit with the Swedish Patent and Market Dispute Court; in order to recover $2.4 billion from the US company, writes Bloomberg, citing data from representatives of PriceRunner.
According to the applicant, Google manipulated search algorithms to promote its own product comparison services, causing harm to competitors. PriceRunner believes tech giant’s anti-competitive practices resulted in losses for service; that she intends to recover during the current trial.
“It’s also a matter of survival for many European entrepreneurs and tech job opportunities;” added Mikael Lindahl, managing director of PriceRunner.
PriceRunner, soon to be owned by Swedish fintech Klarna Bank, said the final lawsuit amount could be “significantly higher” because Google is still violating antitrust laws. Google representatives refrain from commenting on this issue.