Google has announced that it will be discontinuing its Notes feature on Search and Discover, effective immediately. This labs feature, which was launched eight months ago, allowed users to write their own notes on specific search result listings and within Google Discover. However, the feature did not gain much popularity among users and Google has decided to end it.
The goal of Notes was to provide searchers with helpful tips about articles or topics from both experts and everyday people. It aimed to narrow down the most relevant information for users while also allowing them to see what worked for others who had been in similar situations. However, it seems that the feature did not resonate with users as Google had hoped.
A spokesperson from Google explained that Search Labs is a testbed for bold experimentation, and not all experiments will be launched broadly. They also mentioned that people want to hear from others like them, which is what Notes aimed to achieve. However, Google is committed to testing new ways to connect people to authentic and relatable voices, and they plan to apply the learnings from Notes into future product experiences.
The end of Notes comes as no surprise to many, as a lot of people did not think it was a good idea in the first place. However, this move shows that Google is not afraid to test theories and features, and if they prove to be unsuccessful, they are willing to remove them and try something new.
For those few searchers who did use Notes in Search and Discover, Google has provided an opportunity to download their notes until the end of August using Google Takeout. After this date, the feature will no longer be accessible.
This discontinuation of Notes is a reminder that even tech giants like Google have their fair share of failed experiments. However, it also highlights their commitment to innovation and their willingness to learn from these experiences. As users, we can expect Google to continue testing new features and improving our search experiences in the future.
In conclusion, Google’s decision to discontinue the Notes feature on Search and Discover reflects their commitment to experimentation and innovation. While the feature did not gain much traction among users, it serves as a reminder that even tech giants like Google are not afraid to take risks and try new things. As users, we can look forward to future product experiences that are informed by the learnings from these experiments.
