Microsoft, Google, Bing, and Pizza
Is anyone else not duped by Microsoft's Bing ads? If you haven't seen them, they typically take place in a random location asking people what search engine they prefer (usually Google) and then proving that they would actually prefer Bing. A recent set of ads shows Bing on location in Topeka, Kansas who for one day changed their name to Google.
I noticed that people are real quick to say "I like the one on the left". that is, the one with the pretty pictures at the top. But sometimes, I am not looking for pretty pictures. Sometimes, I am looking for actual information.
I posted a screen shot of one of my results from the Bing it On challenge. On the left are the Bing results. On the right, Google. The search term was simply "pizza". I don't know about you, but when I am searching for Pizza, I am not usually looking for images (I know what a pizza looks like). I am usually looking for a place to order it or somewhere I can go to get it. If you look closely at the results, you will notice that Google prioritized the information I needed to know: Where to find pizza, the information for the pizza places, etc. Bing on the other hand, took up most of their space with images of pizza.
Thanks Bing, but now I am even more hungry for pizza and a step behind where I would be using the Google side.
Bing It On suggested I search for "Tacos". Challenge accepted. Here was the result:
Once again, Bing prioritized the images over actual information. Now to be fair, Google also returned image results, but as the third options. Without having to scroll, I can click a wiki article about Tacos, find a recipe to make tacos, or look at a picture of tacos. On the bing side (right), you have images and a wiki article. Both useless if I am looking for how to make them.
OK Bing, third time's a charm:
I'm new to the area and looking at where I can find a good cup of Joe. Let's see, Google (Left) shows already 2 locations I can go to get coffee. Bing (right) once again tries to win me over with the eye candy. That coffee looks great Bing, but what if I want to go buy a cup? Oh, I see, Starbucks...
If you are wondering whether you would Bing it or Google it, give it a try. Just make sure you can see through the eye candy first.