Report: Taiwanese not happy with Google dropping dictionary

Many Taiwanese netizens are not very happy with Google Inc.'s decision to pull the plug on its standalone online dictionary service. Taiwan's Central News Agency quoted a Google spokesperson as saying the dictionary tool in its search page offers the same functionality as Google Dictionary. "For your definition needs, you can type your query into the web search and use the dictionary tool located in the left-hand panel of the results page, or you can type 'define' and the word directly into the search box," CNA quoted the Google spokesman as saying. But the CNA report said many local and foreign netizens were dissatisfied with the move, which they said was not announced in advance. The report said the netizens complained that the alternatives are less convenient. It said users using the dictionary were greeted with the message, "Google Dictionary is no longer available. You can use Google web search to find definitions or Google Translate for your translation needs" since Aug. 5. The CNA report said Google Taiwan's Help Forum had many users clamoring to revive Google Dictionary. "This translation is trashy," one member in the forum said, referring to the literal translation he got after he input "You made my day" in Google Translate. "The halt of Google Dictionary made me unwilling to study English ... Google Translate can never replace Dictionary. I've been so mad for a few days!!!!!" said another netizen, Cerra. — RSJ, GMA News