Google Chrome serves up only emptiness, for many users

Attempt to show people the true value of the web?

By Gavin Clarke, 3rd July 2012

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The latest version of Google’s Chrome web browser is firing duds by serving up blank search results pages.

Frustrated users on the Google Chrome forum and on Twitter have lined up to complain that half of their queries using Chrome are landing them with empty pages.

The problem mostly seems to affect Windows 7 users, but Mac fanboys have also complained. The blanks are shown after using Chrome’s "Omibox" - its combined URL and search bar.

There’s no explanation from Google on what is causing the problem but workarounds have been suggested. According to one punter, BolshoiBrit:

Add a new a search engine in wrench >> settings >> search "Manage Search Engines". Under "other search engines" add a new search engine using this address for the URL http://www.google.com/search?q=%s

Name it "Google 2" or whatever you want. Works like a charm.

Others who implemented the workaround confirmed this worked for them.

The wobble comes after Google claimed last week that Chrome is the world’s most popular browser with 310 million users. The numbers are not verified, but Chrome has been jockeying with Microsoft's Internet Explorer for the global web browser market share crown.

Google also released a version of Chrome written for Apple’s iOS to compete with Safari on iPads, iPhones and iPod Touch devices. Chrome immediately took the number-one position for free apps downloadable from Apple’s App Store. ®

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