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Closing the Cover on Microsoft Book Scanning

Posted by ScuttleMonkey on from the google-rolled dept.

Chris_Keene writes "The Live Search blog announces that the Live.com Book and Academic Search are to close. Book search in particular has had quite a bit of coverage, and often seemed like a race with Google. The Live blog says 'we are winding down our digitization initiatives, including our library scanning and our in-copyright book programs. We recognize that this decision comes as disappointing news to our partners, the publishing and academic communities, and Live Search users [...] this past Wednesday we announced our strategy to focus on verticals with high commercial intent, such as travel, and offer users cash back on their purchases from our advertisers.'"

9 of 98 comments (clear)

  1. Oh man oh man by colmore · · Score: 4, Funny

    I can't believe that Microsoft are finally having their IBM moment.

    I no longer care nearly as much as I used to, but goddamn if this isn't a blast to watch.

    --
    In Capitalist America, bank robs you!
  2. Disappointing for Live Search users by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 4, Funny

    Both of them?

  3. Re:Disappointing by explosivejared · · Score: 2, Funny

    more sustainable strategies

    Coming out with a new book service. Only this time it's bundled with the OS and a pain to remove. Also adding Google books to the list of apps that UAC applies to.

    --
    I got a catholic block.
  4. Mistake in the quote by Groo+Wanderer · · Score: 3, Funny

    "We recognize that this decision comes as disappointing news to our partners, the publishing and academic communities, and Live Search users [...] this past Wednesday we announced our strategy to focus on verticals with high commercial intent, such as travel, and offer users cash back on their purchases from our advertisers"

    Why is users in "Live Search Users" pleural? :)

              -Charlie

    1. Re:Mistake in the quote by cmacb · · Score: 2, Funny

      Also remember Ballmer makes his kids use it.

      I think Bill has switched to Google at home though.

  5. Re:Gone, already? by frank_adrian314159 · · Score: 3, Funny
    Ayn Rand - yield no results.

    Well, assuming you were searching for literature, they got that one right...

    --
    That is all.
  6. M$ is t3h S4T4N by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Funny

    _We_ know they're only trying to save those puppies so that they can sacrifice them themselves!!1!

  7. Re:verticals with high commercial intent by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Funny
    Wasn't that from an old Jethro Tull song or something?

    Sitting on a park bench
    Eying verticals with commercial intent
    Advertiser

  8. Re:MS makes no sense by _ivy_ivy_ · · Score: 2, Funny

    It's clear that Microsoft needs a different approach instead of throwing money, developers, marketers, and chairs at anything that doesn't work well enough. Fixed it for ya.