In an effort to improve user experience, Microsoft’s Bing search engine has begun conducting an experimental removal of the cache link from its search results. This move comes a few months after Google also removed the cache link from its search results.
Fabrice Canel from Microsoft confirmed that this is indeed a test being conducted by the Bing team. He explained that Microsoft continuously experiments and tests various experiences in order to learn and deliver the best possible customer experience.
The test involves removing the cache link, which would typically be found in a little down arrow, from the search result snippets. A screenshot provided shows the absence of the cache link in the Bing Search results.
Canel clarified that he was on the “nocache flight,” indicating that this is a Bing test for not showing a cache link. While Bing has not officially removed the cache link yet, it is possible that this may be the direction they are heading.
This experimental removal of the cache link may have implications for SEO professionals and searchers who have relied on this feature in the past. Although the cache link is not necessarily a useful tool for debugging SEO issues, it has become a de facto tool for many in the industry over the years. Some SEOs have even turned to other search engines, such as Bing, specifically for their cache links.
However, it’s important to note that there are alternative ways to view older versions of specific URLs. The Wayback Machine, for example, is a free and excellent resource for accessing older versions of websites.
Overall, Microsoft’s experimental removal of the cache link from Bing’s search results is an interesting development in the search engine industry. As search engines continue to evolve and prioritize user experience, it will be interesting to see how this change may impact SEO practices and the way users interact with search engines.
