Showing posts with label Web Search. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Web Search. Show all posts

Friday, May 8, 2015

Google Removes Reading Level Filter

Last month, Google removed search filters for visited page. Now it's time for a new advanced search feature to be removed: reading level. This feature was introduced back in 2010 to let you find search results that are better suited for you. "Sometimes you may want to limit your search results to a specific reading level. For instance, a junior high school teacher looking for content for her students or a second-language learner might want web pages written at a basic reading level. A scientist searching for the latest findings from the experts may want to limit results to those at advanced reading levels," explained Google.

In February, I noticed that the reading level feature had a bug and no longer allowed you to restrict results to "advanced reading level" pages. Instead of fixing the bug, Google removed yet another advanced search feature.


Reading level is no longer available in the search tools dropdown or in the advanced search page. Verbatim is the only remaining filtering option and I'm sure it will be removed soon. Hopefully, Google won't remove time filters, which are more popular and easier to understand.


Here are some screenshots from last month:


Friday, April 24, 2015

Android Action Cards in Google Search

Google has a few search cards that let you send some information to an Android phone from your desktop computer. In addition to finding your device, you can send directions, send notes, set alarms and reminders.

Search for [send directions], set a destination and click "Send directions to your phone". When you unlock your phone, Google Maps will automatically open and show your destination.



When you search for [note to self] or [send a note], you can enter some text and you'll get a similar notification on your mobile device. Another option is to add the note to your query and search for things like [note to self buy some milk].




Another action card lets you set an alarm on your phone. Just search for [set an alarm] and enter the right time for your alarm. You can also search for [set an alarm for 9:00] or other similar queries.




"You can connect your Android phone to Google, which lets you send information from your computer to your phone," informs a help center article. To use this feature, you need the latest version of the Google app for Android, Google Now cards and notifications need to be enabled, Web & App Activity has to be enabled in Google Account History. Another requirement is to log in to your Google account.

Tip: if you're not in the US and you don't see the cards when you enter the queries listed above, add &gl=us to the URL. For example: https://www.google.com/search?q=set+an+alarm&gl=us.

{ via +Google }