Google Adds Custom 404 Handler

Tonight I was trying to get to Google translate, but was trying http://google.com/translation - which doesn’t work.

Unlike last time it didn’t work, Google.com now tried to suggest the right URL for me, which was nice. It looks like Google has recently added a better 404 handler.

It only seems to work for google.com not google.com.au (I didn’t try other local versions). Here are some examples.

• Translation - com | local
• Shopping - com | local
• Crap Code - com | local (is google really claiming that they have no crap code?)

Interestingly URLs containing Google’s more popular products/services (such as maps, mail, calendar and jobs) redirect straight to the service. As the rest of the URLs are returning results based on keywords, why doesn’t google just redirect them too?

I have no idea how long this has been available, but I think it is handy and more user friendly.

Update 2020: The translation URL now uses the generic Google 404 page again.