New toolbar links to Amazon, Google's own map service and Carfax amongst othersGoogle has generated a lot of good will because of the unobstrusive nature of its software.?There were the concerns about GMail and grumbling about some of their keyword ads and security concerns with their desktop search utility but on the whole, they've been a good corporate citizen. One of my favorite IE tools it eh Google Toolbar and I generally install it for everyone who asks me to reinstall their system. Apparently an updated version has an Autolink feature which is drawing some ire
The AutoLink feature comes with Google's latest toolbar and provides links in a webpage to Amazon.com if it finds a book's ISBN number on the site. It also links to Google's map service, if there is an address, or to car firm Carfax, if there is a licence plate.
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Dan Gillmor, founder of Grassroots Media, which supports citizen-based media, said the tool was a "bad idea, and an unfortunate move by a company that is looking to continue its hypergrowth".
A couple things of note - end users have to download the Google Toolbar, they have to activate AutoLink, and they claim that the links generated are not paid for (eg they are not receiving kickbacks from Amazon).?While I can understand if this was a service bundled with new systems (besides mine) this is not exactly something that is being forced down the throats of all IE users.Article Link: Google AutoLink Feature Raises Concerns
