O Google recently announced the retirement of a classic function in its search service that left users speechless: the links to view pages saved in cache.
The old tool, once useful mainly for users with slow connections, allowed loading a web page in the format in which the search engine recognized it, facilitating access in more unstable internet situations.
Goodbye, rescue in cache
The news of the end of this function was announced in X, formerly Twitter, on February 1st. A Google spokesperson confirmed the removal, explaining that the initial goal was to help people access pages in situations where default loading could be problematic.
However, with improvements in internet connections over time, the company decided to retire the feature.
Google abandons cached sites – Image: Shutterstock/Reproduction
Before being removed, the link to the page saved in cache was available in the three-dot menu next to each link in the search results. Now, this section only presents information from Wikipedia about the corresponding site.
New upcoming Google features
As a replacement, Google plans to include a shortcut to the Internet Archive, a service that archives old versions of web pages. The change does not yet have a set date for it to take place, but the company has already signaled this intention.
Despite this, it is important to highlight that the Internet Archive does not serve precisely the same purpose as viewing links in cache.
Additionally, including the shortcut can result in a significant increase in traffic to the project.
The Google representative emphasized that such a proposal is still subject to approval, emphasizing that it would be a decision made in conjunction with the Internet Archive’s consideration of its value in the agreement.
So, while users say goodbye to a classic function, they are waiting to see how the search giant will redefine the search experience on the platform.
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