Unless you’ve been hiding somewhere not even the search engines can find you, you couldn’t help but notice that there’s a new kid on the block; that new kid comes in the shape of Bing, Microsoft’s new search engine. So new in fact that it’s still in beta; but then again, every web app’s in beta these days, right?
So what’s Bing all about? Well the first thing you need to know is that it’s not a search engine, oh no; it is, in fact a “decision engine”. Microsoft say,
“Bing is specifically designed to build on the benefits of today's search engines but begins to move beyond this experience with a new approach to user experience and intuitive tools to help customers make better decisions, focusing initially on four key vertical areas: making a purchase decision, planning a trip, researching a health condition or finding a local business”
Leaving aside that somewhat freaky “vertical area” of “researching a health condition” – cos frankly that’s what the doctor’s for, right – is Bing successful at the others? Well, let’s find out. Firstly, making a purchase. Now, a certain young lady who works for DevExpress has been banging on about getting a Dell Mini since she was at TechEd, how does Bing stack up against Google in helping her make her “decision”? Let’s check it out by typing “Buy Dell Mini” into each engine, Google first…
As you can see (click on the thumbnail for a bigger image), with Google you get sponsored links, then shopping links, then the Dell site. Not too bad and now Bing…
Here, it’s sponsored links, followed by the link to the Dell site. So more or less a draw then. The only difference really is that Google shows the site map of the Dell site, which is more helpful if you were looking for a particular page on the site.
How about planning a trip? Let’s go to the Lake District, first let’s fly Google…
Google has sponsored links and then straight in to the travel and accommodation links. Let’s see what Bing gives us…
Well it gives us sponsored links followed by a map of the local area and links to some local hotels. Much more useful in my opinion.
Lastly, let’s try out finding local business. After all this searching I think I need something to eat, and we all know you can’t go wrong with a good curry. Let’s see what Google can offer us…
Google offers a map of the local area and a list of restaurants on the map. Very impressive. Let’s see how Bing shapes up…
Meh, not so good. Just the usual sponsored links and then the links to the local restaurants, but not the helpful map and links that Google provided or indeed, which Bing provided for the travel search.
Well, after this rather rudimentary search, I’d say Bing still has a way to go to push Google off the top spot but then, as Steve Ballmer himself said, it’s going to take Microsoft years and years to get anywhere in search. The big question now is, is Bing the second best search engine out there?