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Opera partners with Ask.com
Although it doesn't always get the most attention, Opera is a solid browser that continues to improve with each version. While they work on their next version, codenamed Peregrine (like the falcon), subtle improvements are being added to the current release, 9.51. The latest addition is Ask.com for the search bar. What do we think is so interesting about that? First, it's a step toward competing with Firefox's search engine plugins. Although the promotion is focused on Ask, it also shows off Opera's expandable search bar to users who might not have known about it. Second, it's another option for people who don't want to rely exclusively on Google for their search results. We're looking forward to more from Opera in the near future.
Comments
11
Subscribe to commentsAsa DotzlerJul 6th 2008 10:21PM
I wonder why they changed from Google to Ask (did they really change the default to Ask?)
The only reason I can think of is that Ask offered to pay more than what Google would pay.
If so, that's unfortunate since Google is clearly a better search solution for a larger number of people.
I suppose Opera needs to maximize revenue here, even at the expense of usability. Too bad.
Asa DotzlerJul 6th 2008 10:51PM
OK. It doesn't appear that they actually changed the default in the search box itself; they simply added Ask as another option. They did change the default for other search entry locations like the speed dial page where it's now Ask search.
Good for them for not changing the default on the primary search interface. When browser makers start to make decisions about default settings that are worse for users in order to maximize revenue, it's always a bad thing. (See MS trying to push their Live search in earlier IE betas, for example.)
uhhJul 6th 2008 11:55PM
I recently left Firefox after comparing the then new version 3 with Opera's then new 9.5 which seemed to favor Ask.
To make Google, or any search, default again simply go to Tools < Preferences < Search. Select the search you want to be default and click Edit. Clicking on the "Details >>" button in the new window will bring up two checkboxes: one box makes the search the default search engine, one box makes the search the Speed Dial search engine.
I really like the level of customization and speed, so much so that I gave up Firefox and my favorite plugins to switch to Opera.
MysteriusJul 7th 2008 12:40AM
@uhh: Yeah, right, and that's *clearly* intuitive. Why isn't there an easier way to change the default Speed Dial search engine?
And while I often use Opera for its low-resource use and other advantages, I don't think customization is one of them when compared with Firefox...
RocketboyJul 7th 2008 6:28PM
better yet, in the address bar, type in "G" then the list of search terms. No fuss, no muss.
uhhJul 7th 2008 6:29PM
@Mysterius: If 7 clicks is such a workout for you then maybe Firefox is the right choice for you. If you're wondering how anyone can figure that out, just type "g opera change default search" in the address bar and you'll find your answer.
QuikboyJul 8th 2008 8:29AM
Well, it's not as if there isn't choice to change the default in Opera and IE (note: Safari only has 2). There's several different search engine to choose from in Opera and IE. Though I found the way Opera adds sites to search from to be highly unintuitive for a normal user. IE does give you an easy option to quickly add another site to search from.
Most people have different opinions on what makes a search engine better. Ask does aggregate results from several search verticals into one page, and is based on Google search. If you don't like Ask, go ahead and switch to another search provider. No biggie.
However, Safari is the browser sorely lacking a way beyond Google and Yahoo!.
B JonesJul 7th 2008 4:44AM
You can add your own search engines you know. Just go to the search engine, right click the query input on the form (where you type your query) and click "Create Search" - it'll work with a lot of sites, just depends how they have set up their search box.
GeirJul 7th 2008 6:28PM
To search using Google in Opera just type the letter g followed with your search criteria right into the URL field. Forget about the search toolbar if you only need Google searches, it just takes up space on the screen....
captain_duckJul 7th 2008 6:28PM
Hasnt the option for multiple search engines in that bar been there for ages?
Anyway the easier way to search with opera is to type stuff like "g something" into the adress bar indeed. And you can customize these using tools>preferences>search
I got "i" for imdb, "a" for anidb.net, "w" for wikipedia, "p"for piratebay and so on.
uhhJul 7th 2008 2:17PM
@Mysterius: If 7 clicks is such a workout for you then maybe Firefox is the right choice for you. If you're wondering how anyone can figure that out, just type "g opera change default search" in Opera's address bar and you'll find your answer.