Today was the official launch of Bing.com, Microsoft’s new search engine.  This is the successor to MSN.com’s search and I must say that I like it.  Probably what piqued my curiosity was the fact that it was from Microsoft.  I am not a huge Microsoft fan by any stretch but I tend to give them a the benefit of the doubt because of all the irrational cult following of Google.  Don’t get me wrong, I have nothing against Google but I have found that Many Google worshippers also tend to be Apple Macintosh worshippers.  There again, I have nothing against Apple either except that their products are way over priced for what you get.  Their followers act as though they are a higher being for owning one when they should be embarrassed for paying so much for such a proprietary product.  Anyway, I have drifted off topic.  Talking about Google and Apple worshippers tends to do that to me.  Back to Bing.com

This new search engine is pretty sharp looking.  Not only does it have some pretty impressive search results but it has some cool assistance tools.  When you search for something, the results have a dot on the right side.  If you hover your mouse over the dot, it shows some highlights of the page so you can see what it is about before you click on the links.  They have kept some of the other tools they used before such as the Windows Live maps renamed Bing Maps.  It shows related links on the left side of the page. It is integrated with Windows Live tools on the top and if you are signed in, it keeps a running log of your searches just like Google.  This log is clearable so you do not have to keep the record if you do not want to.  The Windows Live tools includes the improved Hotmail/Windows Live Mail, Windows Live Photo Gallery, Toolbar, Windows Live Writer, and Windows Live Messenger, Windows Live Mail, and calendar, all of which are free.

Bing has links to videos on the top where you can watch many of your favorite network television shows.  You can search for images, videos, maps, and shopping.  This search engine seems to be more graphic oriented allowing the user to search and see what they are searching for before they click on the results.  Many searches even include a point of contact, email, or phone number.  I really like the appearance and performance and not just because it is not Google though that is an extra benefit :) .  Just kidding :) .  I don’t mean to gush over it but I would encourage you to give it a try and not just ‘dis’ them because they are Microsoft or not Google.   Give them a real chance for a while and see if they do not grow on you.  I think I will see how they are over time.  I like to try things all the time and I love it when there are new choices.

Any time there are more choices, the consumer/user benefits.  Competition is a great thing because it brings out the best inventions.  I do use Google, but I also use Yahoo and now Bing.  I do not think it is ever a great idea to just follow the crowd because I have found that many in the Tech community are just followers.  The create Twitter pages, Facebook pages, Myspace pages and all tout the greatness of one company and bash other companies without any merit.  I have found that many Google worshippers will bash Yahoo relentlessly for no reason.  Yahoo is a pioneer on the Internet and still have some great tools even now.  I think that Bing and Windows Live do as well though many people discount them because they are not Google which is sad.  So give Bing a try and see if they are worth the time.  From my first impressions I would have to say yes.  I like the feel, the results, and the appearance and I think you will too.