Does Opera use Google's RLZ identifier and why can't you change the default Google browser strings?

[pogue972]

pogue972 last edited by

The RLZ identifier is a search string added to Google Search by Chromium to identify where the browser was downloaded.

I followed the directions in the article, but Opera doesn't let you change the parameters of the Google search. You can't even see the full text of the search parameters, just https://www.google.com/search?client=
I'm guessing Opera has a deal with Google where they get paid a commission for all searches, but as much customization that's allowed in Opera, I'm frankly surprised we can't edit this under settings.

I'd like to propose we be given the ability to edit this option.

Thanks,
pogue

[leocg]

leocg Moderator Volunteer @pogue972 last edited by

@pogue972 You don't need to guess, it's widely known that (almost) all browsers are paid for searches made from them and that this is their main source of revenue usually.

[pogue972]

pogue972 @leocg last edited by

@leocg Yeah, that's why I like startpage.com instead.
But, I still think we should be able to edit the Google search parameters.

I suppose I could make a new Google Search and use on my own strings to do the search, but I don't know how to do that.

[leocg]

leocg Moderator Volunteer @pogue972 last edited by

@pogue972 Go to www.google.com, right click on the search field and then on create search engine

[pogue972]

pogue972 @leocg last edited by

@leocg Ok, I did that, now I have all this Goobldy Gook in my search field. I don't mind knowing the client is opera since that probably helps them make money to fund the browser, but what's all this other stuff? Can I strip it out?

https://www.google.com/search?client=opera&hs=3w7&sxsrf=ALeKk00-9-US4IDAL--6S_N8-XwNwvANEw%3A1615562784092&ei=IIhLYNGYBeig_Qa404G4Cw&q=%s

[leocg]

leocg Moderator Volunteer @pogue972 last edited by

@pogue972 I have no idea, maybe some code added by Google. What is the original string?

[pogue972]

pogue972 @leocg last edited by

@leocg said in Does Opera use Google's RLZ identifier and why can't you change the default Google browser strings?:

@pogue972 I have no idea, maybe some code added by Google. What is the original string?

That is the original string.

[leocg]

leocg Moderator Volunteer @pogue972 last edited by

@pogue972 Seems a little different here. Anyway, you can edit it.

[pogue972]

pogue972 @leocg last edited by

@leocg Alright, I changed it to
https://www.google.com/search?client=opera&q=%s

And that seems to work fine. The problem now is I can't set it as my default search engine.

[leocg]

leocg Moderator Volunteer @pogue972 last edited by

@pogue972 Custom search engines can't be set as the default one, only those pre-defined.

[pogue972]

pogue972 @leocg last edited by

@leocg said in Does Opera use Google's RLZ identifier and why can't you change the default Google browser strings?:

@pogue972 Custom search engines can't be set as the default one, only those pre-defined.

Well, that's useless then.

[leocg]

leocg Moderator Volunteer @pogue972 last edited by

@pogue972 Why? Just use the keyword to search in the address bar.

[pogue972]

pogue972 @leocg last edited by

@leocg Yeah I know, but it's much easier when you are able to set it as default. Opera, for all it's customizations and claims of privacy has really fallen short on this one, IMO.
Can I send an email to the engineering team or anything to let my feelings be known?
Thanks.

[donq]

donq @pogue972 last edited by

@pogue972

Can I send an email to the engineering team or anything to let my feelings be known?

Sure you can contact Opera and send your suggestions - from Opera homepage, navigate to contact and support. They say they're all ears

I would hint that this will be totally wasted time for you. Search is likely main cash cow for them and your feelings cannot change their business model in any way.