Yesterday, Google announced an update to their Google Search app for Androids that allows searches in the app to open in the native, pre-installed app. For example, if you did a Google search for The Matrix, your search results would have a link asking if you’d like to view the film’s IMDb page in the IMDb app. While this may seem inconvenient for some (why not just search for it in the IMDb app in the first place?), Google Search could represent a central hub/landing page for searches while introducing compatibility with other approved apps.
In a way, Google is monopolizing all forms of app searches, giving power to approved apps and taking power away from those that aren’t. However, considering the behemoth that Google is, it’s no surprise that they would want to make the Google Search app the primary hub for any and all searches on Android phones. As an iPhone user, this doesn’t necessarily affect me, but I can understand how some might find the new update convenient, even if it means adding another step to finding results. Plus, it gives Google even more reason to track and spy on any searches you may be conducting in third-party apps. Would you really sacrifice privacy for convenience?
The full list of compatible apps are below:
- AllTrails
- Allthecooks
- Beautylish
- Etsy
- Expedia
- Flixster
- Healthtap
- IMDb
- Moviefone
- Newegg
- OpenTable
- Trulia
- Wikipedia
[via Phandroid]