As we’ve noted before, anything Google can do, Microsoft can do to a slightly lesser standard a few years later.

Not content with accusations that Bing is stealing from the Google algorithm, Microsoft have decided to unveil a brand new, never-before-seen addition to their maps functionality.

Only joking – they’re launching their own version of not-controversial-in-the-slightest service Google Streetview in Europe.In addition to the 56 US cities they’ve already mapped, Microsoft Streetside will start filming major cities around Europe next month – with mapping already underway in London.

According to Microsoft’s director of search Dave Coplin, they’re planning to combine Streetside with location-based services in a manner that in no way resembles Google Maps, Google Places or Google Hotpot.

The FirstFound Blog can’t help but wonder if innovation would serve Microsoft better than replication.

To mark Gagarin’s pioneering flight, the major search engines have commissioned logos and backdrops to help people learn more about the first man to travel into space and orbit the Earth.

Google

Google’s latest logo is in a distinctive Soviet style. It depicts Gagarin in a Soviet space suit, and features an animated Vostok 1 launch. Clicking onto the logo takes you through to a Google search for the term ‘Yuri Gagarin’.

Bing

Bing carry on the space theme, with a picture of the recently decommissioned Space Shuttle Discovery orbiting the earth. The search suggestion popups mention Gagarin’s flight, and prompt you to learn more. Bing also suggest you watch the cult Channel 4 comedy ‘Spaced’ (starring Simon Pegg, Jessica Stevenson and Nick Frost) – a suggestion that the FirstFound Blog staunchly agrees with.

Yahoo

And finally, Yahoo mark the anniversary of man’s conquest of the cosmos by announcing that Katrina Bowden is attractive to Esquire readers. Truly epoch-making stuff, I’m sure you’ll agree.

If you spot any other search tributes to Gagarin, Vostok I or the space race, let us know on Facebook or Twitter, or drop us a comment in the box below.

Google vs Bing, Handbags at dawn?

“You’ve copied my work!”

You could be forgiven for thinking that we’re reporting on schoolroom bickering,  but a recent post on Google’s blog is claiming that rival search engine Bing has been copying Google’s search results.

Google say that Bing are using IE8 and the Bing toolbar to monitor what people search for on Google, and what results they click, so that they can try and copy the results that Google show. And the market leaders haven’t pulled any punches, declaring that the Microsoft search engine’s results are “an incomplete, stale version of Google results – a cheap imitation.”

Which is really nice of them.

Spokespeople have already decided that there can’t and won’t be any legal action in this case, so it’s unlikely that this will escalate into a huge court battle. But commentators are wondering what effect (if any) this could have on the market.

If Bing have been copying results, why would people choose to use an inferior copy of Google? But if Google are wrong, would people to use Bing just to avoid the seeming paranoia of a company which regularly finds itself under fire for its own misdeeds?

This one could run and run.

But are they really unanswerable? Or could Google and Bing do better? We’re going to put the two leading search engines to the test by asking them the ten questions that Jeeves can’t answer. Will their top results enlighten or bemuse us?

Q1: What is the meaning of life?

Google: The top result is a sponsored link for some sort of course, and the top organic result is a Wiki definition. “42″ appears above the fold though, which will delight Douglas Adams fans.
Bing:  Prints out a definition of life, which sort of misses the point of the question. Unless you’re being particularly literal in which case “life is the quality that makes living animals… different from inorganic materials” is a decent answer.

Unanswerable? Bing gives you a definite answer without needing to click. But not to the question you were asking.

Q2: Is there a God?

Disclaimer: The FirstFound Blog isn’t touching this theological debate with a bargepole. No sir. If you don’t like the answers, blame the search engines!

Google: A sponsored link, followed by “six reasons to believe God is really there.”
Bing: A link to a philosophy site debating the “theistic and atheistic views of origins”

Unanswerable? Google seems to tell us there is a God.  Bing just shrugs and says “maybe”.

Q3: Do Blondes have more fun?

Google: An ABC News report saying “sadly… they do.” Obviously written by a brunette.
Bing: A hair boutique article which beats around the bush and says “ask a stylist”.

Unanswerable? Google believes being blonde = fun! Bing believes we should ask hairdressers.

Q4: What is the best diet?

Google: Google gives us five to choose from.
Bing: Bing’s sponsored links say “Weightwatchers!” – the top organic listing agrees with Google.

Unanswerable? Both search engines answer the question, and give us a selection of diets based on our personal circumstances.

Q5: Is there anybody out there?

Google: Yes. Pink Floyd.
Bing: Yes. Pink Floyd

Unanswerable? We have a definitive answer. Pink Floyd are out there. Next question.

Q6: Who is the most famous person in the world?

Google: Google asks Wiki answers, who tell us that as of 2009 it’d have to be Barack Obama.
Bing: Bing crowdsources an answer from a poll. The leading result is Michael Jackson by a country mile.

Unanswerable? Not so much an answer as a new question. Is Barack Obama more famous than Michael Jackson?

Q7: What is love?

Google: First result is a definition: ” a strong positive emotion of regard and affection.”
Bing: A sponsored link for a singles site, and a definition: “to feel tender affection for someone”.

Unanswerable? The answer seems to be that it’s a “feeling/emotion of affection.” Could Jeeves really not answer that?

Q8: What is the secret to happiness?

Google: The secret to happiness is… A hub page listing answers. Isn’t that what the search engine should’ve done?
Bing: The secret to happiness is… On sale from Amazon. And you get free delivery on it.

Unanswerable? Happiness? The search engines don’t have a clue.

Q9: Did Tony Soprano die?

Google: A WordPress site is the top result, and the description states that Tony Soprano did not die.
Bing: Same result – looks like the answer to this is definitive, if you believe an anonymous blogger.

Unanswerable? Nope, doesn’t look like he died.

Q10:  How long will I live?

Google: Top result is a life expectancy calculator, which gives rough estimates to Americans. So Google doesn’t know.
Bing: Bing gives you the same calculator, which gives me a different result. So Bing doesn’t know either.

Unanswerable? This looks like one of life’s great mysteries…

So, it looks like not all of Jeeves’ unanswerable questions are unanswerable. But maybe Jeeves knows something we don’t? Maybe he knows that Google and Bing’s answers are wrong, and Pink Floyd aren’t really out there. Here’s hoping he’ll tell us what he knows in another ten years!

If you want to be featured on Ask Jeeves, Google and Bing, you’ll need to as the question “who can get me listed on the search engines?” The answer is FirstFound. Call us now on 0161 909 3400.

There is certainly a bit of a dig at Google as they show people suffering from information overload and total chaos with search results. Then it simply claims they can solve this problem.

Ashley Highfield, managing director and vice-president consumer and online Microsoft UK, said: “The ad campaign brings to life the concept of Bing as a decision engine, a tool that both cuts through the information overload and offers a new search experience. We’re confident that this will help grow our user base.”

Last month Microsoft and Yahoo got the all clear from the regulators for a 10 year partnership. The battle for online supremacy with the search engines continues.

Some of Bings other adverts here.