It's difficult, if not impossible to run a few or more searches and say a search database (especially a general purpose one is the best) in all situations. Not only does each search engine have its own algorithm but there are numerous variables that can come into play like experience of the searcher, number of search terms used, advanced sytax, etc.
Last night we ran several web searches (we were trying to find an article) and received better results from Bing than we did from Google. However, more searching will undoubtedly take place and it's very possible that Google will provide better results than Bing. This is why it's not a bad idea to use more than one search engine making sure each one has a unique database. In other words, while AltaVista and AllTheWeb are still on the web they utilize the same database that Yahoo uses. This is also why learning about and using specialty search tools is worth some of you're already busy time. Knowing that they exist before running a search on a general engine (to find them) can save you lots of time and add plenty of value. In other words, building your own virtual reference shelf.
When reading the conclusion of an otherwise positive Bing overview, Leslie Meredith, the author of the review, says to use Google for "research" and Bing for, "images, videos, shopping, travel and gossip." Overall, that's good stuff for Bing. However, it's the use Google for "research" that gets to us. How about if you're looking for images, videos, etc. Isn't that research too? In your opinion, what's wrong with Bing, we will call it "research search."
OK, enough of that. Here's quick look at what the review has to say about Bing.
+ Positive about the new image found each day on the home page and placing your cursor at different places on the image provides background.
+ Image searching: Positive comments about the continuous scroll and the tools to focus your search.
+ Video Search: Also positive mentions how you can place your cursor on a static video image and immediately a 30 second sample is played (with audio) without having to depart the search results page.
+ Finally positive comments about shopping search (cashback program) and travel search (fare predictor).
Unfortunately, there is no mention of Bing Maps and of it's useful imagery. The the "Bird's Eye" view will let someone giving a speech receive and ooh and ahh from the audience. (-: We mentioned it and shared a few examples in this post from yesterday.
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