Microsoft's heady comments about unseating Google at the top of the search pile have--miraculously--turned out to be quite timely: the AP reports that the search industry's vice-deputy is relaunching
its long-awaited new engine in test form today. Windows Live Search, as the newest component of Microsoft's "Live" series is called, is said to be core to a strategy shift that will see the software
giant focusing more heavily on Internet-based software and services. Beginning today, Windows Live Search will power queries conducted on Microsoft's Windows Live Web site. Once the product is out of
testing, Windows Live Search will replace the search engine that currently powers MSN.com. In an interview with the Associated Press, Yusuf Mehdi, Microsoft SVP of Information Services, did some more
chest beating, saying "Once people get a feel for Windows Live Search, they're going to say, 'Holy cow, I had no idea that search could get this much better!'" Among other things, the new search
engine gives users the ability to keep several search panes open in a single window, view several pictures in thumbnail format without leaving the search page, as well as a "smart scroll" function
that displays all search results at once rather than on separate pages. It's way too early to tell just how good Live Search is, but of the few searches I conducted this morning, I have to say I'm
much more impressed with this iteration than I was with the MSN Search launch a few years ago.
Read the whole story at Associated Press »
