Google’s new AI Overviews for search results have been met with mixed reactions, with some users preferring traditional link-based results. However, Google has introduced a new “Web” filter that allows users to access text-based links without AI summaries, ads, or images. This filter can be accessed by selecting the “Web” option among other filters like News and Images. The Web filter removes snippets and knowledge panels from search results, providing a more streamlined experience for users.
To access Google Search results using the Web filter directly from the browser address bar, users can create a custom site search shortcut with a specific URL. For Google Chrome, users can go to Settings and manage search engines to add the Web filter URL and set it as the default search option. In Microsoft Edge, the process is similar, as the browser is based on the Chromium codebase. Firefox users can create a bookmark with a keyword shortcut to trigger the Web filter results, while Safari users can install the Smart Keyword Search extension to enable site search shortcuts for the Web filter.
The new Google Search Web filter allows users to restrict their searches to text-based links without AI summaries or other extraneous information. By appending “&tbs=li:1” to the end of the custom search URL, users can further customize their searches to return results based on exact terms without synonyms or related terms. This feature can be accessed via the “Tools” link under most Google searches. The Web filter provides a more focused and efficient search experience for users who prefer traditional link-based results.
Overall, the introduction of the Google Search Web filter represents a significant change in how users interact with search results. By allowing users to access text-based links without the clutter of AI summaries or knowledge panels, Google is providing a more streamlined and efficient search experience. Users have the option to customize their searches further by adding “verbatim” restrictions to their Web filter shortcut, ensuring that search results are based on exact terms. This update is part of Google’s ongoing efforts to enhance the user experience and provide more control over search preferences.
