Title: Microsoft's Move: Google's Absence on PCs, Androids, and iPhones
Microsoft and Google's digital dance continues, with the Redmond giant pulling another move that leaves Google's execs scratching their heads. "New trick in the book," lamented a high-ranking Googler. "How low can they stoop!"
This latest move seems a response to Microsoft tweaking the look of its Bing search results to evoke Google. Google's Chrome boss cheekily replied, "Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery," when the Bing mimicry surfaced. "But Microsoft spoofing the Google homepage is another tactic in its long history of tricks to confuse users and limit choice."
Now, Microsoft seems to have reversed course, but there's a new twist. SEO Roundtable reported on the latest trick, spotting Microsoft guiding searchers into believing they're using Google instead of Bing. When searching for Google through Bing, users see a "Promoted by Microsoft" dropdown search box, essentially making the jump to Google unnecessary. Furthermore, Bing tests a version showcasing a Google-esque logo but leaving Google search listings untouched.
Microsoft has yet to comment on the update, but should you find their antics amusing? Despite playing second fiddle to Google's dominance in search, the real threat lurks in AI altering the very essence of search itself.
Meanwhile, Microsoft unveiled another initiative starkly contrasting this rivalry interplay. Its users could soon find themselves perpetually signed into their Microsoft accounts, a controversial "security nightmare" that potentially leaves accounts exposed on shared or public computers.
Microsoft confirmed the change, set to take effect in February 2025. Users will continue to login automatically unless they sign out or use private browsing. Leaving accounts exposed on others' devices or public computers should prompt users to enter private browsing mode.
Despite the ensuing controversy, Google and Microsoft's swipes at one another, both tech giants maintaining their dominant positions, ensure an intriguing contemporary backdrop.
Google's executive expressed frustration over Microsoft's tactic, stating, "This is a new trick in Google vs Microsoft, how low can they go?" Following this, a Chrome warning popped up, expressing concerns about Microsoft's practice of guiding searchers into believing they're using Google instead of Bing. Similarly, an Android warning was issued, expressing worries about Microsoft's plan to perpetually sign users into their Microsoft accounts. Moreover, iPhones might also face a warning due to Microsoft's strategies, adding another layer to the ongoing Google vs Apple rivalry.
