Google introduces new feature in Google app for iOS that allows users to insert links on web pages

The iOS version of the Google app has introduced a new feature called 'Page Annotation' that inserts links into text on a web page. Google says that this feature will allow users to find more information without leaving the page, but there are concerns that 'it may make it easier for users to leave the web page they were originally viewing.'

New way to get more info when using the Google app on iOS - Google Search Community

https://support.google.com/websearch/thread/308719098/page-annotation-in-google-app-browser-for-ios

Google iOS App Page Annotation (Opt Out)
https://www.seroundtable.com/google-ios-app-page-annotation-38451.html

Google app for iOS now injects links back to Search on websites
https://9to5google.com/2024/11/25/google-ios-app-link-annotations-search/

Google is inserting search links into webpages in the Google App now - The Verge
https://www.theverge.com/2024/11/25/24305922/google-app-ios-inserting-search-links-websites

Google's search support team announced on November 19, 2024 that a new feature has been introduced to the iOS version of the Google app. The new feature, called 'Page Annotations,' inserts a link that displays information extracted from the Google Knowledge Graph for specific words when viewing a web page in the Google app.

In the image below, you can see that a link has been inserted into the word 'Osaka Castle' on the webpage on the left. When a user taps the link, the app tray opens and they can see the information in the Knowledge Graph.

'This new experience lets users quickly get additional context about people, places, and things without leaving a website. When they're done browsing, they can easily swipe to close the app tray and return to the page where they started,' Google's search support team said.

However, because the app tray displayed in page annotations leads to a search result page, there are concerns that users who tap on the link may simply leave the web page.

'Google is now sending users to search when they're on your website, and they'll likely never find their way back to your website again,' said technology media outlet SERoundtable.

At the time of writing, the page annotation function was not available in the Japanese version of Google's app.

Google also provides website owners with a way to opt out of page annotations. Requests to opt out can be made through the following Google form, but it may take up to 30 days for page annotations to be disabled.

Opt out from Page Annotation in Google App browser for iOS
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1h9I0TbN-H_1e85CqXYb1ng7rQfg2ijfODc1sBxPBd08/