> There's a difference between clicking a link (where "open in default browser" is the obvious behavior, and there's no advantage to forcing any particular browser) and searching for an address (where it makes sense to recognize an address and offer special handling, such as displaying a map, or directions).
Clearly, there is a competitive advantage in controlling the browser, or Google would not have spend so much money in giant billboards in the Paris subway to explain how Chrome was better than anything.
> So what, precisely, would you suggest Google or another search engine do in that case to continue providing a good user experience?
Agree with map service vendors on a standard API, and make it possible in the settings to select the service to handle an address search. You know, competition and all that.
Clearly, there is a competitive advantage in controlling the browser, or Google would not have spend so much money in giant billboards in the Paris subway to explain how Chrome was better than anything.
> So what, precisely, would you suggest Google or another search engine do in that case to continue providing a good user experience?
Agree with map service vendors on a standard API, and make it possible in the settings to select the service to handle an address search. You know, competition and all that.