I Loathe AI Overviews So I Use This Hack to Make Google Give Me Just Blue Links
Google rocked the search engine landscape a little over a year ago when it launched an AI Overviews feature in its search results.
These AI summaries synthesize real-language answers to search queries based on information from sites in Google's search results. While AI Overviews can occasionally be helpful, the software has also been known to give terribly wrong answers or make stuff up completely.
The big problem for me with Google's AI Overviews is that I need to fact-check all information, so I need to read the primary sources anyway. I'd much rather have a good list of relevant website links than a summary that's not guaranteed to be 100% accurate.
If, like me, you find yourself wishing for the Google searches of old where you'd encounter a list of links, I have good news. When Google launched AI Overview, it also released a search filter called "Web" that provides only links to websites in results. With a few minutes work, it's easy to make that new Web filter your default for Google search results.
By making a quick change to your browser settings, you can ensure you get only links to websites in your Google search results. We'll show you how to do it on Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Apple Safari or Microsoft Edge.
What is the Google Search Web filter?
Google's new Web filter is similar to its filters for results like News, Images, Videos or Shopping. When the Web filter is selected, your search results will return only text-based links, with no AI summaries, videos or knowledge panels like "Top Stories" or "People Always Ask."
The new filter should appear below the search box on the Google Search results page, among other filters like News, Images and Videos. You'll usually have to click the three-dot "More" menu to see it as an option.
The Web filter for Google Search will usually be placed in the menu for More filters underneath the search box.
Google/Screenshot by CNET
Clicking the Web filter link will give you Google Search results composed entirely of text-based links, with no answers, AI or anything else. "Web" will now be underlined and highlighted in blue under the search query box.
Google's Web filter removes snippets and other knowledge panels from your results.
Google/Screenshot by CNET
In our initial tests of Google's Web filter, we did not see any sponsored search results or other advertisements but that filter will still return ad results for certain search queries, according to a Google spokesperson. After testing more search terms with the Google Web filter, we were also able to see search ads for a few specific queries.
How do I get Google Web filter results for browser bar searches?
Depending on your browser, it's fairly easy to customize your browser settings so that your address bar searches go straight to the Google Web filter results. You'll need to create a custom site search shortcut in your browser and then trigger that search option with a keyword or make it your default for all searches.
The critical URL that you need to remember is https://www.google.com/search?q=%s&udm=14. The "%s" represents your search query, and the "udm=14" tag limits your results to the new Web filter.
Here's how to add the necessary custom site search for Google's Web filter in the four most popular web desktop browsers -- Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, Mozilla Firefox and Apple Safari.
If you don't want to bother with browser settings, you can always just use the website &udm=14, built by Ernie Smith of Tedium. It provides a front-end to Google Search with the necessary Web filter parameter automatically included.
Google Chrome
Open up a Google Chrome browser window, then click on the three-dot menu in the upper-right corner, next to your Google account profile. Click Settings near the bottom of that menu. You can also get to your Chrome settings by entering chrome://settings in the browser address bar.
Select Search engine from the left-hand column, then click "Manage search engines and site search" in the middle of the browser window. Next, scroll down to "Site search" and click the blue Add button.
In the resultant pop-up window, create a name for the new search shortcut and a keyword for triggering it. We chose "Old Google" and "og." For the last field -- "URL with %s in place of query" -- enter that URL we mentioned above: https://www.google.com/search?q=%s&udm=14. Then click the blue Add button.
Now when you search your address bar using "og" + your search term, you'll get results using Google's Web filter.
If you'd like to make it your default search option, click the three-dot menu next to your new site search and select "Make default." After you make the new search shortcut your default search, all of your address-bar searches will use the Web filter -- no keyword needed.
After you create the site search shortcut for Google's Web filter, you can make it your default search engine.
Google Chrome/Screenshot by CNET
Microsoft Edge
The Windows browser is based on the Chromium codebase so the steps for adding a Google Search Web filter shortcut are similar to Google Chrome. Navigate into Settings by clicking the three-dot menu in the upper-right corner, then select Privacy, search, and services.
Near the bottom of the following screen, select Address bar and search, then Manage search engines. Alternatively, you can navigate directly to that screen by entering edge://settings/searchEngines in your Edge address bar.
Click the Add button to create your new site search shortcut. The Search engine is your name for the shortcut (I used "Old Google"), the Shortcut is the term that triggers that specific site search (I used "og"), and the URL template is the string that triggers the Google Search Web filter: https://www.google.com/search?q=%s&udm=14.
Search engines in Microsoft Edge work very similarly to Google Chrome.
Microsoft Edge/Screenshot by CNET
To make that new Google URL your default search, go back to the Address bar and search settings page and click on the drop-down menu next to Search engine used in the address bar. Select your new custom site search and your address bar searches will default to the Google Search Web filter.
Mozilla Firefox
Firefox works a little bit differently for setting up search shortcuts. Instead of using the search settings, you'll create a bookmark with a keyword shortcut, then use that keyword in the address bar to trigger the Web filter results for Google Search. Unfortunately, Firefox doesn't let you add search engines in its desktop version.
From the Bookmarks drop-down in Firefox, select Manage Bookmarks. On the following screen, right-click on the folder in your Bookmarks where you'd like to place the shortcut, then select "Add Bookmark." (Because you'll be triggering it from the address bar, it doesn't matter where the bookmark lives.)
In the following pop-up window, enter a Name (for example, "Old Google"), the URL https://www.google.com/search?q=%s&udm=14 and a Keyword (such as "og") to save the search filter as a bookmark. Hit the "Save" button, and the Google Web filter results will be available by entering your keyword before any address-bar searches.
To search Google's Web filter with Mozilla Firefox, you'll need to use a bookmark with a keyword shortcut.
Mozilla Firefox/Screenshot by CNET
Apple Safari
Safari doesn't enable custom site shortcuts by default. The only way we were able to add the Google Web filter search was by installing the free Safari extension Smart Keyword Search, which enables site search shortcuts.
After installing Smart Keyword Search, the first thing you'll need to do is enable it to adjust your Google search results. Go into Settings, click Extensions at the top of the window, select Smart Keyword Search, then click on the "Edit Websites" button. On the following page, click the drop-down menu next to google.com and select "Allow."
You'll need to allow the Smart Keyword Search extension the permission to adjust Google searches.
Safari/Screenshot by CNET
Now close the Settings window, and click the icon for Smart Keyword Search that appears next to the Safari address bar. You'll see a pop-up window with the various "rules" the extension uses to modify searches. Click the "compose" button to start a new rule, then enter a name (such as. "Old Google"), prefix (for example, "og") and a familiar URL for the Web filter search shortcut.
The Smart Keyword Search extension for Safari uses slightly different syntax.
Safari/Screenshot by CNET
Smart Keyword Search uses the variable "{search}" instead of "%s" to indicate a search query, so you'll need to enter a slightly different URL: https://google.com/search?q={search}&utm=14. Hit the "submit" button. Now entering "og" (or your selected prefix) before any searches in your address bar will return results restricted by Google's Web filter.
How to restrict your Google Web searches to 'verbatim' results
You can further customize your searches on Google so that the search engine only returns results based on the exact terms that you use -- not synonyms or related terms. The "verbatim" option was introduced in 2011 and is usually accessed via the "Tools" link under most Google searches.
To add a "verbatim" restriction to your Web filter shortcut, append the attribute "&tbs=li:1" to the end of your custom search URL: https://www.google.com/search?q=%s&udm=14&tbs=li:1
Any searches that you make using that new URL will now only return text-based web links for your exact search queries.
Correction, July 2, 2024: An earlier version of this story misstated the absence of advertisements on Google Web filter results. After further testing, we were able to confirm that search ads can appear on Google Search Web filter results.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Forbes
12 minutes ago
- Forbes
Do You Need An Accountant For Your Small Business?
By Levi King An accountant brings expertise, efficiency, and strategic value to your business. My first year of business was one of the more interesting experiences of my life. I was still in my early twenties and had taken what I thought was a pretty significant leap of faith by dropping out of college in order to start my own company. When it was time for me to hire an accountant I asked my dad for a recommendation. He had used a local CPA for years, and since I was busy as hell with a million other things, I figured this was a good enough recommendation for me. During my first conversation with the CPA, he advised that I remain a sole proprietor rather than incorporate. I was just a kid in his eyes and therefore unlikely to make the kinds of profits my first year that would have justified changing my status for tax purposes. Nine months later, we met again. He studied my numbers in silence. He was a big dude, physically, so that when he started giggling, his whole desk shook. He proceeded to explain that if I'd rejected his advice and incorporated, I'd have saved an extra $20,000 in taxes. Writing that check took an unbelievably painful bite out of the operating capital I'd managed to build to that point. I fired the guy immediately and found a new CPA. The main point here is that even though I'd had a bad experience with my first CPA, I didn't let that stop me from doing some due diligence and hiring a better one right away Running a small business is a demanding endeavor, requiring owners to juggle numerous responsibilities—from sales and marketing to customer service and operations. Amid these daily challenges, financial management often becomes an overwhelming task, especially as the business grows. Hiring an accountant as soon as possible is not just a matter of convenience; it is a strategic decision that can profoundly impact the success, stability, and growth potential of your business. Many small business owners initially believe they can manage their own finances, especially with the abundance of accounting software available today. However, an accountant brings a level of expertise and specialized knowledge that goes far beyond basic bookkeeping. Accountants are trained to interpret complex financial data, stay current on ever-changing tax laws, and provide tailored advice that aligns with your business goals. Their insights can help you make better decisions about budgeting, forecasting, and risk management, ensuring your business remains compliant and financially healthy. Time is one of the most valuable resources for any business owner. Managing payroll, tracking expenses, preparing invoices, and reconciling accounts can consume countless hours each week. By hiring an accountant, you free yourself from these time-consuming tasks, allowing you to focus on what you do best—growing your business and serving your customers. Delegating financial responsibilities to a professional also reduces stress, as you can trust that your records are accurate, your tax filings are correct, and your financial statements are up to date. Financial errors can have serious consequences for small businesses. Simple mistakes, such as missing a tax deadline or misclassifying an expense, can result in penalties, audits, or lost deductions. Accountants are meticulous about compliance and accuracy, ensuring that your financial records are error-free and audit-ready. Their attention to detail helps you avoid costly pitfalls and provides peace of mind that your business is operating within the bounds of the law. Tax season is often a source of anxiety for small business owners, particularly those unfamiliar with the complexities of business tax codes. An accountant's expertise is invaluable in this area. They know which deductions and credits your business is eligible for, how to structure your finances to minimize your tax burden, and how to file all necessary forms correctly and on time. By optimizing your tax strategy, an accountant can save your business significant amounts of money—funds that can be reinvested into growth and innovation. As your business expands, so do its financial needs and challenges. Growth often brings increased revenue, but it also leads to more complex expenses, payroll, and reporting requirements. An accountant can help you navigate this complexity by providing financial projections, analyzing investment opportunities, and updating your business plan as needed. Their guidance ensures you make informed decisions about scaling your operations, hiring new employees, or pursuing new markets, all while maintaining a strong financial foundation. Accurate, timely financial reporting is essential for understanding your business's performance and making strategic decisions. Accountants provide detailed financial reports that offer clarity on profitability, cash flow, and expense management. These reports are not just numbers on a page—they are tools that help you identify trends, spot opportunities for cost savings, and set realistic financial goals. With an accountant's analysis, you gain a deeper understanding of your business's strengths and weaknesses, empowering you to make data-driven decisions. Regulatory compliance is a critical aspect of running a business, especially as laws and requirements evolve. Accountants stay up-to-date on changes in tax regulations, labor laws, and industry standards, ensuring your business remains compliant at all times. Their vigilance protects you from legal issues, fines, and reputational damage. In the event of an audit or financial review, having an accountant on your team provides invaluable support and documentation, making the process smoother and less stressful. Beyond day-to-day financial management, accountants serve as strategic advisors. They can assist with business planning, investment strategies, and succession planning, helping you set and achieve long-term goals. Whether you are seeking funding, preparing for expansion, or considering a business transition, an accountant's perspective is crucial for evaluating options and mitigating risks. Perhaps the greatest benefit of hiring an accountant early is the freedom it provides. With a trusted financial expert managing your accounts, you can devote your energy to innovation, customer relationships, and building your brand. This focus not only enhances your business's chances of success but also improves your quality of life as an entrepreneur. More from AllBusiness: In conclusion, hiring an accountant as soon as possible is one of the smartest investments a small business owner can make. An accountant brings expertise, efficiency, and strategic value to your business, helping you avoid mistakes, save money, and achieve your goals. Rather than viewing your accountant as an expense, consider him or her a partnership that empowers you to build a stronger, more resilient, and more successful business from day one. You own your business; the buck stops with you. Never take anyone's advice at face value, regardless of how pitifully you stack up in terms of time in the trenches. You believed in yourself enough to risk everything for a dream—honor that trust by seeking a wide range of opinions before making momentous decisions.
Bloomberg
17 minutes ago
- Bloomberg
Trumponomics: Why China Can Afford to Wait on a Trade Deal
On this episode of Trumponomics, host Stephanie Flanders, Bloomberg's Head of Government and Economics, leads a panel from the Hong Kong Invest conference to unpack the latest round of high-stakes trade talks between the US and China, exploring why Beijing may still have the upper hand and how far any decoupling of the two economies will go. She's joined by Robin Xing, Chief China Economist at Morgan Stanley, Lotus Asset Management Chief Investment Officer Hao Hong, and Bloomberg reporter Rebecca Choong Wilkins.
CNN
18 minutes ago
- CNN
Trump administration reviewing Biden-era submarine pact with Australia, UK
US President Donald Trump's administration has launched a formal review of former President Joe Biden's AUKUS defense pact with Australia and Britain to allow Australia to acquire nuclear-powered submarines, a US defense official said. Australia, which sees the submarines as critical to its own defense as tensions grow over China's expansive military buildup, said it remained committed to the project and looked forward to working closely with the US on the review. As well as causing alarm in Australia, the review could also throw a wrench in Britain's defense planning. AUKUS, worth hundreds of billions of dollars, is at the center of a planned expansion of Britain's submarine fleet. 'We are reviewing AUKUS as part of ensuring that this initiative of the previous administration is aligned with the President's America First agenda,' the US official said of the review, first reported by Financial Times. 'Any changes to the administration's approach for AUKUS will be communicated through official channels, when appropriate.' AUKUS was formed in 2021 to address worries about China's growing power. It envisages Australia acquiring up to five US Virginia-class submarines from 2032. Then, Britain and Australia would design and build a new class of submarine, with US assistance. The UK would take first delivery in the late 2030s, with delivery to Australia in the early 2040s. Before that, the US and Britain would start forward rotations of their submarines in 2027 out of an Australian naval base in Western Australia. Vocal skeptics among Trump's senior policy officials include Elbridge Colby, the Pentagon's top policy adviser, who cautioned last year that submarines were a scarce, critical commodity, and US industry could not produce enough to meet American demand. Submarines would be central to US military strategy in any confrontation with China centered in the First Island Chain, running from Japan through Taiwan, the Philippines and on to Borneo, enclosing China's coastal seas. 'My concern is why are we giving away this crown jewel asset when we most need it,' Colby said last year. Only six countries operate nuclear-powered submarines: the US, the UK, Russia, China, France and India. A spokesperson for Australia Defense Minister Richard Marles said the US had informed Australia and the UK of the review. 'AUKUS will grow both US and Australian defense industry as well as generating thousands of new manufacturing jobs,' the spokesperson said. A British government spokesperson called AUKUS 'one of the most strategically important partnerships in decades' that also produces 'jobs and economic growth in communities across all three nations.' 'It is understandable that a new administration would want to review its approach to such a major partnership, just as the UK did last year,' the official said, adding that Britain will 'continue to work closely with the US and Australia … to maximize the benefits and opportunities' of AUKUS. The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment, but one official told Reuters the Trump administration 'is regularly reviewing foreign agreements to ensure they align with the American people's interests – especially those initiated under the failed Biden foreign policy agenda.' US Senator Tim Kaine, a Democrat on the Senate Armed Services Committee, said AUKUS was 'critical to ensuring a free and open Indo-Pacific' and the administration should work to strengthen it and the US submarine industrial base. 'Anything less would play directly into China's hand,' said Kaine, who represents Virginia, where US submarines are built. AUKUS is Australia's biggest-ever defense project, with Canberra committing to spend A$368 billion ($240 billion) over three decades to the program, which includes billions of dollars of investment in the U.S. production base. On Tuesday, Britain announced plans to invest billions of pounds to upgrade its submarine industry, including at BAE Systems in Barrow and Rolls-Royce Submarines in Derby, to boost submarine production as announced in Britain's Strategic Defence Review. Under this, it will build up to 12 next-generation attack submarines of the model intended to be jointly developed by the UK, US and Australia under AUKUS. In the US Congress on Tuesday, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said 'we're having honest conversations with our allies' and added in reference to Australia: 'We want to make sure those capabilities are part of how they use them with their submarines, but also how they integrate with us as allies.' Former Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull, who signed a previous agreement to acquire French submarines shelved in favor of AUKUS, told CNBC last week it was 'more likely than not that Australia will not end up with any submarines at all, but instead, simply provide a large base in Western Australia for the American Navy and maintenance facilities there.' AUKUS expert John Lee at Washington's conservative Hudson Institute think tank said the Pentagon review was aimed at determining whether it could afford to sell up to five submarines when it was not meeting its own production targets. Kathryn Paik, a Biden White House official now at Washington's Center for Strategic and International Studies, said providing submarines to Australia would not sacrifice US readiness but instead boost collective deterrence. 'This review most definitely makes our allies in Canberra and London concerned, and could cause them to doubt US reliability as an ally and partner,' she said.
