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Why are some users seeing the old version of Google Search?

The change is intentional, by the way.

IF YOU BRING up the Google homepage right now, it’s very likely you will see this.

Google modern page Google.ie Google.ie

It’s simple, clean, and there’s nothing too snazzy about it.

Some of you, however, might see this one instead.

Google old page Google.ie Google.ie

There’s an obvious visual difference (the black toolbar at the top, and the logo for example), and it’s a little clunky to use, but why is the search page from 2013 appearing for some users instead of the modern version?

Well, it turns out that Google isn’t showing the modern homepage to those who use old browsers. When the issue was brought up in a Google forum over the weekend, a Google employee confirmed that the change was intentional.

“Thanks for the reports. I want to assure you this isn’t a bug, it’s working as intended.

We’re continually making improvements to Search, so we can only provide limited support for some outdated browsers. We encourage everyone to make the free upgrade to modern browsers — they’re more secure and provide a better web experience overall.”

There isn’t a whole lot of difference between the two search pages bar functionality, but the message is clear: if you haven’t upgraded to a new browser already, do it now. If only for security reasons.

Read: Should you be worried about whether your cloud data is safe? >

Read: Apple’s latest plan could turn the next iPhone into a digital wallet >

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