Google dumps + from Boolean search tool

Found on The Register on Monday, 24 October 2011
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Google has quietly dropped the use of the + symbol to link search items, in a move it says will simplify the process of Boolean searching.

“We're constantly making changes to Google Search - adding new features, tweaking the look and feel, running experiments - all to get you the information you need as quickly and as easily as possible,” said Kelly Fee, Google Search community manager in a Google forum. “This recent change is another step toward simplifying the search experience to get you to the info you want.”

What a totally stupid move. Having to type two quotation marks instead of one plus sign surely enhances my experience. Just like the instant suggestions which slow my search down and the instant preview which is so annoying when accidentally having it pop up while navigating the search results. Google is going downhill fast with those changes and gives competitors a good chance.