deuces wild Posted April 21, 2005 Report Share Posted April 21, 2005 Thu Apr 21,10:02 AM ETBy MICHAEL LIEDTKE, AP Business WriterSAN FRANCISCO - Google Inc. is experimenting with a new feature that enables the users of its online search engine to see all of their past search requests and results, creating a computer peephole that could prove as embarrassing as it is helpful. The service allows users to decide if they want Google to automatically recognize them without having to log in each time they use the same computer. Those who prefer to log in on each visit can use a link that will appear in the right-hand corner of Google's home page.Whenever a user is logged in, Google will provide a detailed look at all their past search activity. The service also includes a "pause" feature that prevents it from being displayed in the index.Users will be able to pinpoint a search conducted on a particular day, using a calendar that's displayed on the history page. The service sometimes will point out a past search result related to a new search request.Google is hoping the service becomes so valuable that people will use its search engine even more frequently than they already do, giving the company more opportunities to display text-based ads that boost its profits.LINKI don't quite see the benefit of this feature. :unsure: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
andsome Posted April 22, 2005 Report Share Posted April 22, 2005 Sounds to me like it will be one huge clutter. A novelty to some, but one that will do doubt soon wear off. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scuzzman Posted April 22, 2005 Report Share Posted April 22, 2005 This actually seems as though it could be very useful. I often times want to re-search what I may have looked up the night before or something in order to pull the information back up, but may not remember the terms I use. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
deuces wild Posted April 22, 2005 Author Report Share Posted April 22, 2005 Wouldn't the history tab on your browser show you the same thing? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scuzzman Posted April 23, 2005 Report Share Posted April 23, 2005 Not when I have my browser cache cleared on startup to keep things running faster. I also clear my address bar, as I don't care for all those things popping up while I'm trying to type. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
deuces wild Posted April 23, 2005 Author Report Share Posted April 23, 2005 Good point.But are you not concerned over the fact that your browsing habits may be lifted and used by Google if you use their feature?The way I see it:In the States we have computer swipe cards for grocery stores. Using them entitles us to substantial discounts. The problem is that the cards are encoded with our names and addresses. The stores are electronically recording our buying habits each time we use the card and make a purchase.The same is true at libraries and movie rental places when you use *their* customer card.Big Brother is watching.Why encourage it/him/her even more?A disturbing trend. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scuzzman Posted April 23, 2005 Report Share Posted April 23, 2005 Personally, I could not care less if my searching habits, grocery purchasing habits, or any of that other information is given to someone. If someone wants to know what scent aftershave I use, or what deodorant I buy, they can ask and I'll tell. I am an open book most of the way... so I guess this concern really doesn't apply to me. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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