Microsoft is testing a new homepage and - much to my surprise - it integrates seamlessly with Firefox 2.0. I must confess that I wasn't expecting it. But enough with this. The new homepage has Windows Vista design nuances. In this regard, Microsoft has introduced design changes over a variety of products to synchronize with the visual perspective of its latest operating system.

The design overhauling is a welcomed change, and delivers on a modern look with a hint of AJAX. Microsoft has even introduced a new slogan to the homepage: "Your potential. Our passion."

The search box has been completely revamped. Like I have already said, it has a Vista feel about it. Not unpleasant either. Microsoft has also moved the left side menu all the way across the page to the right side. The menu also got redesigned in the process and is now part of a drop-down option list housed under the Microsoft Site Guide.

Clicking any of the applications in the Microsoft Site Guide brings up a floating window that delivers three versions of option display: Detail, Thumbnail and plain Text alongside a close button. Meanwhile, the rest of the site is out of focus and discolored in the background.