Redmond (CA) - Microsoft today launched a beta version of its revamped search service in eleven languages with an index of more than five billion documents. The service maintains Google's simple layout and usability, but offers some improved features and tight links to other MSN services. Google already countered the challenge with doubling its web page index to eight billion documents.
The similarities of the new design of the new MSN Search with Google's layout are nothing less than striking. The beta search, located at beta.search.msn.com, at first sight is as minimalistic as Google's approach. Even the sub pages as well as the display of search results mimic Google's design.
In terms of functionality, the new MSN search integrates fewer features and lacks for example tools for comparison shopping, book or catalog search. Microsoft also does not offer a competitor to Google's controversial desktop search. Behind the scenes, Microsoft however put a lot of brainwork into improving Google's usability concept. Search settings as well as a customizable "search builder" likely will allow less experienced users to easier find what they are looking for with Microsoft's tool.
A new feature in the MSN Search are answers to direct questions. Users will get answers to simple questions such as "What is the second-longest coastline in the world?" or "What is the Capital of Portugal?"
In addition, the "Search Near Me" function automatically provides information and resources that are close to one's home, reducing the time needed to find geographically relevant information and eliminating the need to sift through thousands of links, Microsoft said. Searching for news, images or music is integrated in the site and entering the name of an artist, song or album, users will get linked to MSN Music where they can purchase they content.
Google already reacted to the launch of the MSN Search beta and almost doubled its search index to eight billion documents.
Source:
Tom's Hardware
