Microsoft releases an updated MSN Search preview
Originally it appeared as though today would be the public launch of Microsoft's online search engine but as it turns out, it's only a preview update. The real launch is still slated for next year, but it appears that Microsoft is adopting Google's "launch it as beta" approach to product development, which so far has proven to be a great way to generate excitement. Will this beta launch continue the trend?
You can eyeball the beta here. At press time, the search engine was running very slowly, and sometimes it would fail on searches that should be obvious successes. Aesthetically speaking, it has moved away from its "preview" feel, which many had derided as a Google rip-off. The new, more graphical look is still tight, and I like the drop-down "Search Builder" box. Also present is "Settings" feature, which adds a nice bit of customization with regards to search languages, number of returned results, and more. The new search also includes a feature called SafeSearch, which is meant to remove sexually explicit content from search results. Curiously, this is enabled by default, and if you attempt to turn it off, you have to "verify" that you are at least 18 years of age by clicking a button. Only time will tell if the customizations available will really result in increased searching success for its users.
