Bing versus Google Caffiene

I spent some time trying out Microsoft's Bing search engine. It's a slick interface and seems to give reasonable results, but seems to be trying to fix a problem (poor search) that doesn't exist. Most users are reasonably happy with search results. In the meantime, Google has quietly launched Caffeine - an updated version of Google Search supposedly built upon an entirely new infrastructure and code. I've experimented briefly with Caffiene. My take - not much difference in the search results, although the results were usually received more quickly. You can try Caffeine here.

New Google 'puts Bing in shade'

Google has lifted the lid on its updated search engine, which developers have nicknamed 'Caffeine'.

Although still in the testing phase, the firm says it is the 'first step in improving the speed, accuracy and comprehensiveness of search results'.

The new engine will replace Google's current one after tests are complete.

Martin McNulty of search marketing specialist Trafficbroker said the upgrade threatened to put Microsoft's new engine, Bing, 'in the shade'.

'Google have let Caffeine quietly slip out. It talked about vertical specific searches while quietly doubling the speed and starts introducing real-time results and news feeds,' he said.

'Bing was launched with a massive media budget.

'Trouble is, Bing presents itself as an alternative to something that users are still - for now - happy with,' he added.