Parisa Tabriz, the safety chief for Google Chrome, has criticized Microsoft for a brand new technique involving Bing’s search interface.
In a submit on X (previously Twitter), Tabriz denounced Microsoft’s choice to mimic the design of Google’s homepage, labeling it “one other tactic in its lengthy historical past of methods to confuse customers and restrict alternative.”
She concluded her assertion with sharp phrases: “New yr; new low, Microsoft.”
This criticism comes after Bing launched a controversial characteristic that mimics Google’s person interface when customers seek for “Google” or “Google.com.”
Imitation is the sincerest type of flattery, however Microsoft spoofing the Google homepage is one other tactic in its lengthy historical past of methods to confuse customers & restrict alternative.
New yr; new low @Microsoft https://t.co/LKSNNKB7Hy
— Parisa Tabriz (@laparisa) January 6, 2025
Microsoft’s Sneaky New Bing Interface
When customers not signed right into a Microsoft account seek for Google on Bing, they see a web page that appears so much like Google’s homepage.
The web page has a search bar within the heart, a banner with animated figures just like Google Doodles, and a message saying, “Each search brings you nearer to a free donation. Select from over 2 million nonprofits!”
This message hyperlinks to the Microsoft Rewards catalog, the place customers can donate their reward factors to nonprofit organizations.
The design makes it arduous to see Bing’s branding by scrolling the web page barely down to cover the Bing brand.
Customers could solely understand they’re nonetheless utilizing Bing after they scroll or work together with the web page additional.
Try To Retain Customers
Trade observers like The Verge observe this transfer seems focused at customers organising new Home windows PCs, who may initially seek for Google via Microsoft Edge’s default Bing search engine.
The design change may doubtlessly retain customers who may in any other case swap to Google’s search platform.
Many of those customers seek for Google to change their search engine. Microsoft’s change goals to maintain customers from leaving Bing.
Whereas tech-savvy customers could discover this technique, it would persuade much less skilled customers to maintain looking out on Bing, serving to Microsoft retain extra customers.
Broader Context: The Search Engine Wars
This newest tactic highlights the continued competitors between Microsoft and Google within the search engine market.
Microsoft has employed numerous methods to advertise its Bing search engine and Edge browser, together with pop-ups and adjustments to Chrome’s obtain pages.
In parallel, Google has inspired customers to obtain Chrome and set Google as their default search engine, although its strategies haven’t included outright deception.
Google’s and Microsoft’s rivalry stays heated. As of December, Google’s search engine maintained a dominant world market share of 89.74%, whereas Microsoft’s Bing held 3.97%.
Remaining Ideas
As Microsoft continues to push for higher adoption of Bing, the corporate’s newest tactic raises questions on person belief and transparency.
Whereas the mimicry could increase Bing’s metrics within the quick time period, the backlash from customers and business leaders may harm Microsoft’s status.
Whether or not Microsoft will handle the criticism or double down on its technique stays to be seen.
Featured Picture: kovop/Shutterstock
