The new live search engine, "Bing" by Microsoft [MSFT], has opened the eyes to the world of the Internet. Bing is easily compared to Google [GOOG], and Yahoo [YHOO] search engines, with similar search results. This new search engine includes searches through images, web, videos, shopping, news, maps, and travel. There is also a linked access to msn and windows live. There is also the option to sign into your hotmail account through Bing.

The layout of Bing is quite similar to more commonly known Google, with a starting page of the search engine name and the search bar. Although the basic layout is the same Bing is more appealing to the eye with pictures in the background. Yahoo on the other hand has much more added to its opening page, such as news, mail, horoscopes, instant messaging, games, etc... Then as the search results go there is a very similar design, search results on the left with a brief description, then advertisements on the right, and as always sponsored links on the top.

Bing image searches have evolved from just clicking from one page to the next in order to view the many pages. At Bing the search of images pulls up a page of just continuous scrolling on only one page. Also you can choose how you want to see your results, either small, slightly bigger, or with a caption underneath each picture. Where as Google and Yahoo cannot. They all do have the same basic filters though, size, type, and color, etc..

The Bing video search engine is not dominated by youtube, as is Google, but also has videos from all kinds of video sources such as Metacafe. But Bing basically has the same page layout and filters as Google and Yahoo. The shopping search hasn't improved or gone beyond what Google and Yahoo have done with their shopping searches. With Google and Yahoo having the prices listed in ranges and the ability to compare prices elsewhere. Bing created to opportunity to get money back from your purchases through Bing's Cash Back system.

News searches all have the same look to them weather you go to Google, Yahoo, or Bing, even the filters are really quite similar. The map searches between Google and Bing are also very similar, with an interactive map on the right side of the page. But Google has already surpassed Bing with the fact that the Google maps allow you to zoom in so far that in some areas you have the option to look down a street as if you were actually on it's corner, and its allows you to navigate through the selected area.

Bing is the only search engine between Google, Yahoo, and Bing itself, that actually has a travel search opportunity. The travel search features last minute fights, popular destinations, hotels featured by Orbitz [OWW], airfare deals, and blogs. You can search flights but destinations, round trip, one way, multiple cities, times and dates. You can also search through hotels by check in and check out times, how many adults are going, how many rooms, and by city.

Over all Bing has lacked in expectations in some areas, but have improved other qualities of search engines. Bing would be a great source for all of your online searching needs.

Learn more about this author, Kristina Kieft.
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