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February 11, 2009
Google Drops Search Web Option In Gmail
Seems Google has silently dropped the search the web option in Gmail and I am wondering if that could be the reason it has been so buggy today.
Everyone I have spoken to about their Gmail connection today has told me it has been on and off all day. Then I see the Web Search button is gone.
Guys I know you are trying to cut back but why even bother. I use it a little but was that link causing that much in hosting?
Or do you just plan to spam me with what you think I might like. Got to love those spam recipes I see occasionally at the top.
Posted by Frank Watson on February 11, 2009 6:10 PM
Comments
Well were you really using this search feature anyway?
Gmail has been adding a lot of new features lately in their labs, maybe that's what causing instability...
xavierv February 11, 2009 9:02 PM
True pretty much a waste... funny how they took it off the same day Gmail is having all sorts of connection problems.
AussieWebmaster February 11, 2009 10:28 PM
This was a very useful feature and I see no reason to take it away!
This is my first criticism of Gmail! It used to rock 100% now just 98%!
Why remove it, especially with no explanation?
AceOfJames February 17, 2009 11:16 PM
I had to manually add a Google Search Box to Gmail today. A
See below on how to do it.
First in Gmail Labs enable "Add any gadget by URL" & "Navbar drag and
drop" Hit Save. Then go to settings and you'll see a tab for Gadgets.
Go to Gadgets and add the url below.
right click on the link below and save the url. Then paste it in Gmail
as noted above.
http://hosting.gmodules.com/ig/gadgets/file/107950459797439355026/Google_Search_Box_Gmail.xml
hope this helps other frustrated users. let me know if you need help.
lee February 18, 2009 11:21 PM
Thank you so much Lee! I was vastly irked that Google removed the search feature and didn't mention it. Now they can move back up a notch on my cool list.
TY February 19, 2009 5:21 PM
I know, it's killer that gmail decided to remove that button. It was sooo nice to not have to open a new window or tab in order to quickly search for something. I never realized how nice it was until they took it away...
I'm going to try Lee's suggestion and see if it brings it back acceptably.
Minnesota Joe February 23, 2009 12:24 PM
I started a petition to reinstate the "Search the Web" button. You can find it at:
http://www.petitiononline.com/gmail001/petition.html
Joanie February 23, 2009 8:57 PM
Wonderful news: The Button is back! The Button works! hOSANNA! gLORIA IN eXCELSIS Deo! God bless the Good Ship Google and all who sail in her.
In an unusual reversal and almost one month to the day since they removed it, Google has restored the Search the Web option to Gmail.
Never let it be said that a respectful, organized, persistent, and mostly intelligent protest by subscribers won't make a difference.
Thank you, G-folk, for hearing us out and considering our comments and our needs. Likewise, thanks to the Gmail subscribers who spoke up, wrote out, and bumped, bumped, bumped ;-)
Big thanks, too, go to Scott Wilson (Google Gone Bonkers), Steve Rubel (Making Gmail Your Gateway to the Web), CNET, GetSatisfaction.com, SearchEngineWatch, PLA Tech, and a host of bloggers across the web who helped get the word out.
Choukrane! Merci! Danke! Gracias!
Gitanajava March 3, 2009 10:52 AM
