http://www.internetnews.com/ent-news/article.php/3581296
That article claims the new Google Toolbar was released tonight, but I can't even access http://toolbar.google.com ... have they lost faith in another one of their creations and decided to stall the release? |
I swear Google tries to make me look stupid on purpose, the page works a few minutes later. However, I can't find Toolbar 4.0... |
Try
http://www.google.com/tools/toolbar/T4/index.html
It is absolutely impressive:
It seems that Google pushed many new features specific to Google Accounts, finally created an easy way to bookmark pages, included Google Suggest like it did in Firefox Toolbar and extended the custom searches from GMail, Desktop and Earth to external sites like: CNet, Slashdot, NY Times or whatever you like through custom buttons. Also the new Toolbar brings the famous live feeds from Firefox in Explorer.
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It's just a gimmick by yahoo.
You only really need google search, and firefox has it built in.
I see no need for it. |
Love it. Already been making custom buttons for ESPN, SFGate, MI6. A keeper, for sure. But where IS the button to clear the search from the search box? |
I hate it. In fact, I've reverted to V3.
One step forward, three steps back.
The ability to add your own buttons is great. I can see a use for 'travelling bookmarks' but still prefer the 'links menu' system for my favourites.
a) No longer has a local search history. You have to log in and use Google's new service where my services are stored on their servers – No thanks! I liked it the way it was before, my history on my PC, instantly accessible from within the toolbar just one click away.
b) icons like Groups and Images can no longer use the text in the search box making them pretty superfluous. OK, you could use the new dropdown but now that means you have to "type, click, select, click" instead of a simple 'type, click' like before. In fact, if I had my way, I'd allow Google Earth and Goolge News to use the text in the edit box.
c) Superfluous icons in drop down. I don't want "I'm feeling lucky", "Froogle" or "Local" in my possible search engine list, especially when they can only search US based sites when I'm based in the UK.
d) Log in for everything. I'm sick of having to log in to do simple things like check newsgroups, my search history, my email, etc, somtimes several times a day. OK, at work or internet cafe perhaps I do want some kind of pretection but at home, all of that logging in really gets in the way and is completely unnecessary. I would prefer to be able to set my home PC to automatically login to everything right from the start.
I liked Google for their no-nonsence approach to software. With this version, I can't help thinking, that they're thinking more about them than us (eg gathering infomation about us rather than helping us do our job, increasing our dependance on their products, etc.).
I know it's just a beta but I really, really don't think the pluses make up for the very big negatives with this realese and hope they sort it out before the official release. |
