this post was submitted on 06 Mar 2024
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It used to be very convenient that when searching for something that had a geographic location, Google searches used to show a small map which linked to Google maps when pressed.
Now all I get i a tiny useless map, that doesn't have any of the feature of Google maps, and often I don't even get that.
Anyone know why that is? And if there is a fix?
I use Firefox, but I'm guessing it's independent of browser, unless Google is up to their shenanigans again.
I've added Google maps as search option, which luckily is dead easy in Firefox to do. At the same time I added Open Street Map, to minimize Google map use to maybe show them they are losing traffic.

EDIT:

I think this is the reason as u/garrett@lemm.ee writes:

If you’re in Europe, it may be due to the DMA.

https://www.lemonde.fr/en/pixels/article/2024/03/06/digital-markets-act-how-the-way-you-use-google-maps-and-messenger-is-changing_6591969_13.html

You may also have noticed something new on Google, when looking for the address of a place: It’s now impossible to click on the map that appears in your search results.

Google is one of the “gatekeepers” according to the DMA (Digital Markets Act). The law recently went into effect. It is supposed to lessen the amount of preferential treatment the big tech companies give themselves.

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Digital_Markets_Act

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[–] garrett@lemm.ee 17 points 8 months ago (2 children)

If you're in Europe, it may be due to the DMA.

https://www.lemonde.fr/en/pixels/article/2024/03/06/digital-markets-act-how-the-way-you-use-google-maps-and-messenger-is-changing_6591969_13.html

You may also have noticed something new on Google, when looking for the address of a place: It's now impossible to click on the map that appears in your search results.

Google is one of the "gatekeepers" according to the DMA (Digital Markets Act). The law recently went into effect. It is supposed to lessen the amount of preferential treatment the big tech companies give themselves.

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Digital_Markets_Act

[–] Buffalox@lemmy.world 2 points 8 months ago

Thank you!!! That's probably it. It also seems that local map services are more prominent now.
I suspected something like this might be behind it, but never heard about it.

[–] BroBot9000@lemmy.world 8 points 8 months ago (2 children)
[–] Buffalox@lemmy.world 3 points 8 months ago* (last edited 8 months ago) (1 children)

Yeah I don't like Google either, and I actually didn't use Google search as default for years, but used Qwant instead.
I really liked Qwant, but they often complain that I search too much, and I got annoyed by that.
I've also used Startpage and DuckDuckGo, they all have their strengths, like not being Google 😋 . And Google seems to have CLEARLY gotten worse IMO.
I was just trying to get a breather, and use a no hassle option for a while, which now seems to be failing.
The only other problem I had with Qwant was in fact maps/geographical searches suck, but since that doesn't work with Google either, maybe I should just go back to Qwant?
I'm still wondering though if this Google maps thing with Google searches is a general thing, or maybe geographical or browser dependent?

[–] fievel@lemm.ee 1 points 8 months ago (1 children)

I've also used Startpage and DuckDuckGo, they all have their strengths

Can you develop? Why do you prefer qwant over ddg for example.

I also dropped Google search mainly for two reason. First privacy, making money with my private data and so on. Then I find Google search is less and less good, the first thing being that sponsored links are first even if they don't match well the search keywords and even not looking at sponsored links I think the results are much worse than in the past.

I now use duckduckgo and I'm happy with it but I can try something else.

[–] Buffalox@lemmy.world 1 points 8 months ago (1 children)

I made self modifying assembly code on the C64, and programmed the hell out of blitter and copper on Amiga.
I don't like modern programming, too abstract for my taste.

Regarding search engine I guess it boils down to which gives me results I can use the fastest. With Google having deductions due to privacy. It may also be how well I like the design.

The overall winner for me was Qwant, maybe because I'm from Europe? It has a good balance between local and international results. That tend to fit what I'm searching for. Google is way more heavily balanced towards local results, which is beginning to be a bit annoying. I prefer to not have to micro manage my searches too much.

Startpage on the other hand tends to show almost only international results.

You have to try them out, maybe test them on similar terms, and make your own personal observation, I don't think you can say squarely that one is best.

[–] fievel@lemm.ee 2 points 7 months ago* (last edited 7 months ago) (1 children)

Coming back to this after a while trying out. Qwant is indeed very nice in Europe at least. I tested it and adopted it, I also like the fact it have a map based on OSM which is nicer than the Apple thing in DDG.

[–] Buffalox@lemmy.world 1 points 7 months ago

Yes it is very nice, it's strange it's not more well known?

[–] xmunk@sh.itjust.works 1 points 8 months ago

But I thought monopolies drove innovation!

[–] sin_free_for_00_days@sopuli.xyz 5 points 8 months ago

I set up Google maps as a keyword trigger so I type something like "map Shitkicker, Texas". Firefox.

[–] Luccajan@sh.itjust.works 4 points 8 months ago (1 children)

I noticed as well, they also removed maps from the top bar on mobile. Probably to force me to use the app.

[–] Buffalox@lemmy.world 2 points 8 months ago

Apparently there's a competition issue, I made an edit to my post, with the response I got about it.
I'm guessing both are because of that.

[–] magiccupcake@lemmy.world 3 points 8 months ago* (last edited 8 months ago) (1 children)

I'm pretty sure it's google trying to get you to use chrome, as chrome behaves how you think it should.

[–] Buffalox@lemmy.world 6 points 8 months ago

Ok, but that's never gonna happen. Never touched Chrome and never will. It's idiotic to hand control to Google, we saw how that went with Microsoft. And now we see the exact same shenanigans Microsoft used in the 90's used by Google.

[–] bin_bash@lemmy.world 2 points 8 months ago* (last edited 8 months ago) (1 children)

Osmand it's the way you should go Privat + secure + no trackers + integration with phonetrack

[–] Buffalox@lemmy.world 2 points 8 months ago (1 children)

Is it certified private and secure like startpage?

[–] bin_bash@lemmy.world 2 points 8 months ago (1 children)

I know nothing about Startpage because, personally, i trust none of the web search engines, especially those that came into existence for no apparent reason......

[–] Buffalox@lemmy.world 1 points 8 months ago* (last edited 8 months ago)

Startpage is monitored/controlled by authorities to run as advertised. That is 100% for instance without data collection.
Startpage is probably the most trustworthy of all search engines regarding privacy.