14 DAY TRIAL // With its next-generation search engine, Microsoft will not be limited to a one-size fits all approach. Instead the Redmond company is opting for a strategy that involves tailoring the successor of Live Search to specific markets around the world. In this context, when it launches on June 3 worldwide, Bing will come in a flavor designed specifically for European users. As of May 28, 2009, the software giant has already debuted the rollout of Bing Beta in Europe, expecting users to be able to start entering queries into what it has labeled a “decision,” rather than plain vanilla search engine.
“Many people believe search today is a great tool; however we believe search is still in its infancy and there is much more that people can and should expect from their search service. Bing has been built on consumer insights and is designed to help people find the shortest distance from their initial search query to the point of making an informed decision. We’re excited to be sharing the beta version of Bing with Europe today,” revealed John Mangelaars, VP, Consumer and Online, Microsoft EMEA.
The tactic of adapting Bing to European markets means for Microsoft delivering rich homepage backgrounds as part of a new user experience, as well as the overhauled search engine results page, representing the evolution from Live Search. Previously codenamed Kumo, Bing will also leverage an evolved index, which the company claims will deliver more relevant results. The Bing homepage images will be changed on a daily basis, and each will include embedded information hotspots that will help with the discovery of new searches. The new user interface will also come with clear links associated with search categories including shopping, travel, news, maps, video and images.
But most important for the European flavor of Bing is the integration of Ciao. Back in October 2008, Microsoft acquired the top European online property focused on shopping and product comparison. With the advent of the new search engine, Ciao will be melted into both Bing and MSN shopping. The Redmond company explained that it would make Ciao accessible via Bing and MSN for online shoppers in the Netherlands, Spain, Germany, France, UK, Italy and Sweden come June 3rd. In this manner, Bing and MSN will connect online shoppers with over seven million items, and five million reviews. Ciao has an online community of over 2.7 million members, Microsoft reveals.