Bing UK launch delayed to first quarter of 2010

Microsoft has delayed the UK launch of its search engine, Bing, until the first quarter of 2010. The search engine has been available in the UK in beta form since June, but the industry giant is reluctant to start marketing in the UK.

- 50 top tech sites and services

The Bing search engine was created from the remains of Microsoft’s failed Live Search to try and rival Google’s dominance. Microsoft even enlisted the help of search-engine-gurus Wolfram Alpha to improve the accuracy of its search engine. However, despite promising signs early on, feedback has shown that the UK service is not living up to users’ expectations; driving them straight back in to Google’s arms.

One reason for this is the fact that Microsoft hasn’t localised the search engine to the UK yet, meaning that search results are often irrelevant to UK users. It seems as though Microsoft drove traffic to Bing early on, but then failed to retain users. To remedy this, Microsoft has been spotted searching for staff to help create a more UK-centric Bing.

Unfortunately for Bing, internet users are notoriously fickle and are unlikely to return after a series of failed searches. Microsoft must be hoping that new search features such as the ability to search Facebook updates will lure them back.

Meanwhile, a deal for Bing to power the Yahoo! search engine has also been pushed back to next year.

Link: Bing (via Marketing)

Read more …

Startup News & Technology | Bing UK launch delayed to first quarter of 2010