Microsoft has told TechRadar that it will not be looking to leverage its Bing brand within Windows, and insists that it will 'not force Bing on anyone'.
TechRadar asked Search Lead Paul Stoddart about the possibility of a 'desktop Bing' but was told unequivocally that the focus is on the internet – and that Microsoft was being very careful in making sure that Bing was an option rather than foisted on people.
"Bing is very much web-focused," said Stoddart, "the search bar that you see in the likes of Internet Explorer will move from Live to Bing, but when you buy a new PC you will be given the option to use a different search engine as your default.
"We don't force Bing on anybody," he stated, before adding with a smile: "apart from at Christmas - Bing is very important at Christmas. But not JUST for Christmas."
Not tinkering
According to Stoddart, one of the key differences between Bing and its rivals is that it will not tinker with the results.
"We do not manipulate our search results," insists Stoddart. "take the example of searching for maps.
"We are only seventh in that search, because our algorithm says that we should be seventh.
"Now obviously we want to be at the top, and we will strive to get there, but it will be through hard work rather than manipulating the results."
Of course, one of the hottest topics around Bing is how Microsoft arrived at the branding.
"We wanted to give the brand personality," said Senior Product Manager Mari Thirlwell.
"Within the search team we feel that it encompasses what we are about," adds Stoddart.
"We wanted Bing to be friendly and approachable."
Your comments (5) Click to add a new comment
pit
June 4th
5. Maybe it's interesting here: on http://www.searchengine-compr.com you can compare the search results of google and bing (and also wolfram alpha).
Quite interesting, esp. to check again in a few months...
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roonster
June 3rd
4. well they're certainly pushing this silly name on us. i found a very interesting take on the name 'bing' over at onthebutton. well worth a look: http://onthebutton.wordpress.com/2009/06/03/naming_bing/
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zhirow
May 31st
3. Gah, why microsoft?why?? Live is a great brand with so much potential, I love Live search, Live mail, and my Live accounts... Bing is a stupid name, why not try marketting the brand you already have? The problem isn't Live, the problem is the lack of marketting for the brand... gah, they drive me crazy.....
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okpc
May 30th
2. I do hope they have some success we badly need some fresh air from the stank of Google.
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1234568
May 30th
1. I really enjoy the allusion they make to The Angry Beavers, and how Bing was the annoying friend forced on everyone.
... or maybe I just watch too many cartoons.
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