Kevin's Pick: UDM14
Want Google results without the noise? This quick fix shows you only the actual websites, with no AI answers, panels, or nearly as many ads getting in the way.
If you’ve been using Google lately and feeling like the search results are getting harder to deal with, more ads, AI-generated blurbs, and stuff you didn’t ask for, there’s a small fix called UDM14 that helps restore a more straightforward, more direct search method. It’s not a new search engine, but it makes Google act more like it used to. I tend to prefer Startpage.com, but it’s good to have options.
What is UDM14?
UDM14 is just a tweak to how Google shows results. When you add `&udm=14` (without quotes) to the end of any Google search link, it skips all the AI summaries and extra panels and shows you the regular web results. That’s it. No fluff, just those beautiful old school ten blue links.
You don’t have to do this manually each time. The site UDM14.com does it for you, and there are browser extensions for Chrome, Firefox, and Safari that make it even easier.
Who’s Behind It?
The tool was built by Ernie Smith, who runs a tech newsletter called Tedium. He was fed up with how noisy Google has become and figured out this workaround. Instead of building something entirely new, he found a way to make what already exists work better.
How is it Funded?
There’s no big company funding this. UDM14 operates with just enough lightweight ads to cover the server bills. It also uses a privacy-friendly analytics tool called Plausible, which doesn’t collect personal data. If you like the tool, you can support Ernie by subscribing to his newsletter or making a donation.
Why Are People Using It?
Some folks want plain results when they search. No summaries, no distractions, just a list of relevant sites. UDM14 makes that possible again without requiring you to switch search engines or change your habits significantly. It’s a small change that makes searches feel a lot more useful.
Wrapping Up
UDM14 is a simple way to make Google less frustrating. It cuts out the noise and brings back the kind of results that let you decide what to click on. If that sounds like something you’ve been missing, check it out.
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