Bing It On: Microsoft Rolls Out Its New Search Engine
It was no secret that Microsoft was getting ready to roll out a new search engine, and today, the company began the official roll-out of Bing - the successor of the company's less than successful Live Search efforts. Formerly known as Kumo, Bing, which should become available worldwide by June 3, is Microsoft's latest attempt to steal market share away from Google. According to Microsoft, Bing, while providing a good general search experience, wants to focus on providing an especially good user experience in four verticals: making a purchase decision, planning a trip, researching a health condition, and finding a local business.
For the most part, Bing's interface resembles that of today's Live Search, with a large 'cover image' on the front page that surrounds the search box. The major difference in the user interface is the addition of guided searches in the left sidebar, though Microsoft says that the real changes are under the hood. The company argues that it can bring a new approach to Internet search by providing a richer, easier, and more organized search experience. This, for example, means that Bing will integrate data from consumer reviews when a search brings up a restaurant, for example.
Good Enough is Not Good Enough in the Search Business
According to Microsoft, "30 percent of searches are abandoned without a satisfactory result." We haven't been able to put Bing through its paces yet, so it remains to be seen if it actually works as well as Microsoft promises it will. We have seen too many promises in the area that have remained unfulfilled (we're looking at you, Cuil), so we will hold back any judgment until we get to test Bing ourselves.
One thing is clear, though; a search engine that is only 'good enough' will not be enough to gain back any market share from Google, which now virtually controls the search engine market. Microsoft argues that this large amount of market share can make Google slow to innovate, but then, it remains to be seen if Bing can offer enough innovation to entice users to switch. Yahoo Search, after all, is also innovating furiously, but hasn't been able to capture any new market share lately.
Rebranding Virtual Earth, Farecast, Cashback
Always happy to change brand names, Microsoft also announced that Virtual Earth, its mapping platform, will now be branded as Bing Maps for Enterprise. Travel search engine Farecast, formerly known as Live Search Farecast will now become Bing Travel, and the Live Cashback program will now be Bing Cashback.
Discover Bing
Microsoft also launched a new site, Discover Bing, that goes into all the details of how Bing works and the decision process behind the creation of it. And if you still can't get enough news about Bing, our friends over at CNet also feature an in-depth look at how Bing came to be.
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Microsoft needs more "Bling" with "Bing" :) It will be a healthy competition for Google.
God, they managed to put Aero on a search engine as well.
I'll surely try it.
If "Bing" can get 10% of the search market, it would be wise for them to buy Yahoo, and create a real search monster.
At least MS is trying to do something different. Brains over brawn? We'll see. Cool article here: http://www.atelier-us.com/internet-usage/article/microsoft-livesearch-makes-way-for-newcomer-bing
The results seem to be very over-reaching... almost scary.
Oh well, I 'll wait till June 3rd to make my final judgment.
interested to see what it looks like. some of the screenshots make it look interesting to try.
I'd like to try this one sick of getting results that have nothing to do with what I ask for. Hope this one is better.
One of the great feature of bing is auto compete feature, which is similar to Google, though being a blogger I would like to see some quality result from
Bing rather then people who game SEO and come at the the top of Google Search result. Lets hope for something new and useful this time from Microsoft
I hope they assign as much weight to pizza searches for www.worstpizza.com as google does!
I'm actually kind of excited to see what transpires with this. I recently read an interview with Qi Lu as well as the info page on the Bing website.
I can't wait to see the outcome...I love innovation!
Well, the new name definitely has charme (much better than Kumo). But if it can deliver is another question. I wonder if the health research will provide a fair balance between conventional and alternative medicines. Or if planning a trip will be dominated by paying travel agencies.
So for now I'm skeptical about Bing and as a user I doubt I will give it much of a chance. As a webmaster however I may appreciate this new search engine. ;-)
I dont think they are going to hardly touch googles market on this, I feel google has it going on as far as search and their other technologies. I myself am getting the G1 here soon am looking forward to it.
Will this become a battle like Pepsi and Coke?
Where Coca Cola made some big marketing and product marketing mistakes.
With something like this .... the will never get near our great Google.
Here is a good article and a few videos, including one to make you laugh about Microsoft's Bing.
http://www.technicalspartacus.com/2009/05/29/bing/
Yes, this is really exciting. Les's wait for it:) I also focus on this news, you can read it:
http://www.bloginfor.com/2009/05/microsoft-to-launch-new-decision-and-answer-search-engine-bing-next-week/
It's going to take some doing to beat google.
Just had a go and it's ok I'll have to try it a few more times. But it looks quite good.
The is a really good offering from livesearch but i found another site which i have been using quiet often called http://www.rewardlover.com. I compared the cashback rates and on some offers they pay more than live so its always worth checking around before you buy for example rewardlover pays out 50% cashback for eBay. And cashout level is only $10 which they pay you by Paypal or Amazon e-vouchers. Plus they give you $1 for joining.
Very intuitive system. However, it may yet be a little confusing. I will keep visiting this blog very often. After this I will read all your posts thankful.
Will this become a battle like Pepsi and Coke?
Where Coca Cola made some big marketing and product marketing mistakes.
Just had a go and it's ok I'll have to try it a few more times. But it looks quite good.
It's going to take some doing to beat google.
Will this become a battle like Pepsi and Coke?
Where Coca Cola made some big marketing and product marketing mistakes...
Thats a hell of alot of money on advertising however i cant see them overcoming google. Think the name is a bit stupid if im honest
whatever maty be the steps but this combo of yahoo and microsoft will never going to overcome GOOGLE...
it is very much deep routed now
Just had a go and it's ok I'll have to try it a few more times. But it looks quite good.