Enhanced Internet Reliability Leads to Removal
Google has officially removed the cached pages viewing option from its Search, citing improved internet reliability as the primary reason. The company deems the feature less necessary in light of advancements in internet stability.
Hey, catching up. Yes, it's been removed. I know, it's sad. I'm sad too. It's one of our oldest features. But it was meant for helping people access pages when way back, you often couldn't depend on a page loading. These days, things have greatly improved. So, it was decided to…
— Google SearchLiaison (@searchliaison) February 1, 2024
A Handy Tool for Website Optimization and Exploration
Although the feature might seem less relevant for general users, it was a handy tool for various purposes. Users could view archived versions of web pages, explore deleted content, or track modifications in the current version. Search engine optimization professionals found it valuable for site adjustments and competitor tracking. Additionally, for users facing region-based website restrictions, Google’s cached pages could serve as an alternative to VPNs.
Access to cached page versions was typically available through the “Cached” button appearing at the bottom of the “About this result” panel, accessible via the three-button menu near the search result. Alternatively, users could use the search operator “cache:” added to the URL to instantly jump to the cached Google version (this option seems to be currently functional).
Future Replacements or Alternatives Uncertain
Google has not indicated any specific plans to replace this feature. However, Danny Sullivan, the company’s search liaison, expressed hope in adding links to the Internet Archive. Such links could allow users to demonstrate how a web page evolved over time, providing a potential alternative.
Interestingly, Google has swiftly erased all traces of this feature, even removing a dedicated help page. Attempts to access the help page redirect users to the main page, indicating a deliberate removal of any reference to the cached pages feature. It remains to be seen if Google will introduce a new tool or feature to address the functionalities previously served by cached pages.
The removal of this feature is notable for its impact on users accustomed to utilizing cached pages for various purposes, raising questions about the potential introduction of alternative solutions in the future.
Source: The Verge
