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Microsoft relaunch internet search engine to take on Google
Mark Prigg, Science and Technology Editor28 May 2009
Microsoft has relaunched its internet search engine in a bid to take on Google.
The computer giant has pledged its new service, called Bing, which it claims will be far simpler than its rivals.
It is designed to group together information about a search, rather than giving users a long list of information. For example, searches for a product will also bring links to reviews, accessories, and online shops, as well as information about the item.
Searches for flight information will pull schedules and times from websites, as well as linking to hotels and weather.
Paul Stoddart of Microsoft UK, said “Forty per cent of search queries go unanswered. There is something missing here and a big consumer need.
The major search engines were developed over a decade ago and we believe the category is still in its infancy.
“In 1997 there were only 100,000 websites compared with over 160 million worldwide today, so it's important to challenge and evolve the Search market and to make it as easy and relevant as possible for today's consumers. There is much more that people can and should expect from their Search service.”
The service is set to launch in the UK over the next days, with a UK version promised in six to 12 months. The firm is currently signing up UK foirms who provide service such as hotel reviews and flight information for the service.
