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'Microsoft Should Scrap Bing and Call it Microsoft Search' (cnet.com)

Chris Matyszczyk, writing for CNET: Does anyone really have a deep, abiding respect for the Bing brand? Somehow, if ever I've heard the brand name being used, it seems to be in the context of a joke. That doesn't mean the service itself is to be derided. It does suggest, though, that the brand name doesn't incite passion or excesses of reverence. The Microsoft brand, on the other hand, has become much stronger under Satya Nadella's stewardship. It's gained respect. Especially when the company showed off its Surface Studio in 2016 and made Apple's offerings look decidedly bland. Where once Microsoft was a joke in an Apple ad, now it's a symbol of a resurgent company that's trying new things and sometimes even succeeding. The funny thing about Bing is that it's not an unsuccessful product -- at least not as unsuccessful as some might imagine. Last year, Redmond said it has a 9 percent worldwide search market share, enjoying a 25 percent share in the UK, 18 percent in France and 17 percent in Canada. And look at the US. Microsoft says it has a 33 percent share here. Wouldn't it be reasonable to think that going all the way with Microsoft branding and letting Bing drift into the retirement home for funny names might be a positive move?

3 of 206 comments (clear)

  1. Bing Video Search is the best porn site by CaseCrash · · Score: 5, Informative

    The main search is ok, but the video search is the best porn congregator there is. Searches everything, hover to preview the video, etc. Microsoft nailed it.

    --
    No, that link you posted to a web comic we've all seen a hundred times is not "obligatory."
  2. Re:Did /. at least get paid for this Microsoft Ad? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 2, Informative

    I use Bing on some of my computers, purely because it's not Google. None of my systems uses Google as the default search engine. Google is not that far ahead anymore. The alternatives are useful.

  3. Many may think Microsoft Search is Windows Help by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 3, Informative

    Bad idea. Bing is unique and less encumbered by preconceived notions as to what it is.

    Many would think Microsoft Search is primarily intended for finding information about Windows, Office 365, etc. Then there's the trust and bias factors to consider. Bing is a more neutral name. Maybe renaming is a good idea, but not to Microsoft Search.

    Personally, I find Bing to work well and if Microsoft further improves it, I'll use it more. Many others likely feel the same way. Google results get worse and worse, intentionally to drive page views and ad clicks. Hoping Bing steps up their game.