Tag: google search

  • Google’s technical glitch causes panic with incorrect US dollar rate of Rs186 instead of Rs286

    Google’s technical glitch causes panic with incorrect US dollar rate of Rs186 instead of Rs286

    Late Tuesday night, a technical malfunction on Google Search caused a momentary panic among investors and observers as the value of the US dollar plunged in comparison to the Pakistani rupee.

    The unexpected drop to Rs186.73 bewildered many, especially considering that the local currency hadn’t experienced a significant rebound recently.

    It was later discovered that the decline in currency exchange rates was a result of a technical problem with the search engine on the website, leading to a temporary plummet in the rates.

    This incident is not the first of its kind and has occurred multiple times in the past, leaving users puzzled by massive declines in dollar rates.

    The glitch and its impact

    On Tuesday, June 6, the interbank market closed with the Pakistani rupee at Rs286.56 against the US dollar, while it remained above Rs300 in the open market. However, due to the technical glitch on Google Search, the rates displayed on the platform inaccurately dropped to Rs186.73.

    The sudden decline surprised and concerned individuals who were monitoring the exchange rates, as it deviated significantly from the prevailing values. Fortunately, the issue was promptly identified and rectified, restoring the rates to Rs286.72.

    Recurring glitches on Google Search

    This incident marks yet another occurrence of a glitch affecting the world’s largest search engine and impacting currency exchange rates. In July of the previous year, the rates displayed on Google Search had crashed to Rs207.10, a stark contrast to the rates issued by the State Bank of Pakistan.

    According to the central bank, the rupee had closed at 236.02 against the US dollar in the interbank market. The repetition of such glitches raises concerns about the accuracy and reliability of the information provided by Google Search in matters of global financial significance.

    User Reactions and Social Media Response: The recent glitch on Google Search didn’t go unnoticed by users, with several individuals taking to Twitter to highlight the issue. One user tweeted, “Last night, the dollar crashed on Google,” emphasising the impact the technical malfunction had on the perceived value of the US dollar.

    Such reactions on social media platforms highlight the widespread reliance on search engines for real-time financial data and the potential consequences of inaccuracies caused by technical glitches.

    While the glitch was rectified, it highlights the recurring nature of such incidents on the world’s largest search engine, casting doubts on the accuracy of the financial information provided.

    As reliance on search engines for real-time data increases, it becomes imperative for platforms like Google to ensure the reliability and integrity of the information they display to prevent unwarranted panic or misinformation in the financial markets.

  • Google apologises after software update causes outage

    Google apologises after software update causes outage

    According to outage tracker Downdetector, tens of thousands of users reported being unable to access several Google services on Monday night.

    Google Maps has been having issues since 9:36 PM EDT (0136 GMT), according to a tweet from Downdetector.

    More than 40,000 users reported problems using Google’s services, primarily the maps and search engine, including in New York City and Denver, Colorado.

    A small number of customers continued to report issues using Google’s cloud and calendar services after the outage had been reported for about two hours, according to Downdetector.

    “We’re aware of a software update issue that occurred late this afternoon Pacific Time and briefly affected availability of Google Search and Maps, and we apologize for the inconvenience,” a Google spokesperson said.

    “We worked to quickly address the issue and our services are now back online.”

    Some individuals who attempted to use Google tweeted screenshots of the ‘500 error’ notice on Twitter, which said the server had “encountered an error and could not complete your request.”

  • Google reveals what Pakistanis are searching for

    Google reveals what Pakistanis are searching for

    Google’s maiden “What is Pakistan searching for?” report has revealed what Pakistanis are looking for online.

    According to the report, Pakistanis are looking for ways to connect with new communities, searching for high-quality products and how they can improve their lives and environment. 

    The data can be very useful for seasoned marketeers who’re trying to build businesses, or entrepreneurs looking for ways to engage with potential consumers.

    In the past three years, Pakistan’s digital population has surged by 68 per cent, with over 78 million (seven crores and eight lakhs) users. Understanding the needs and expectations of this growing number of digital consumers is important for brands to remain agile and relevant, especially during these unprecedented times. 

    “Pakistanis and their smartphones are inseparable — always on the lookout for the best experiences and deals within their vicinity and at the same time seeking authoritative information during these trying times,” said Google Asia Pacific Industry Head for South Asia Faraz Azhar. 

    Google has highlighted five key areas that are shaping how Pakistani’s carry out an online search.

    1. Increasingly sophisticated consumers

    Consumers expect search engines to understand the intent behind what they need and deliver the best. They want high-quality products that are available with a convenient digital experience.

    Four of five Pakistani consumers research products online before a purchase, and they switch between online search and video. They also want quick access to products and services. 

    As per the report, 138 per cent growth in “near me” searches and 1.5 per cent increase in “same-day delivery” queries was reported between the year 2018 to 2019. “Fast delivery” searches increased by a whopping 1300% and online grocery delivery searches increased by 300% since the coronavirus pandemic began.

    2. Towards sustainability and conscious consumption 

    A combination of the state of the world and an overall rise in awareness has seen the rise of environmentally-conscious consumers. Over the past year, these searches have risen sharply across Pakistan: “climate change” by 1.5x, “electric cars” by 1.5x and “reusable” by 1.3x. 

    Users were also curious about the visible impact on air quality and pollution levels, with searches such as “clear skies” increasing by 300 per cent, “clean air” by 225 per cent and “clear water” by 217 per cent.

    3. Digital video continues to boom

    Video streaming and sharing platforms where Pakistanis get their fix of information, entertainment, news and sports. The primary drivers are a combination of affordable data combined with the proliferation of devices and new platforms. 

    Every seven in 10 Pakistanis use YouTube every month, with searches related to “with me” increasing by 150 per cent, “Teeli” by 108 per cent and “village food secrets” by 168%.

    4. Healthy lifestyle choice

    While Pakistan has a rich and diverse culinary tradition, there has been a rise in searches for alternate diets and meal plans predicated around well-being. 

    Searches for “daily exercise” are up by 1.6x. Searches for “vegetarian cuisine”, “healthy supplements” and “intermittent fasting” have risen by 1.5x. Meanwhile, searches for “superfood” are up by a whopping 767 per cent and “high-intensity interval training (HIIT) workout” by 600 per cent.

    5. COVID-19 implications

    With COVID-19 restricting the movement of people outdoors, Pakistanis have started looking for ways to start (or continue) their usual physical routines indoors with “HIIT workout” YouTube search growing by 600 per cent, “gym at home” by 125 per cent and “home workouts” by 80 per cent. With more people confined indoors, interest in mental health and well-being has also become an important factor for Pakistanis, with a surge in searches for “meditation” (+56%) in March this year.

    The information was gathered from a web conference organization by Syntax Communications with Google Asia Pacific team.