Microsoft has come under fire for allegedly redirecting users to a Google-lookalike page when they search for Google. In contrast, other searches continue to display the usual Bing search bar, with the special interface seemingly created only for the specific search of Google.
When users type Google into the Bing search bar and press enter, the engine displays a page with an image resembling a Google Doodle, a Google-lookalike search bar, and a small text beneath, mimicking the company's usual display. Additionally, Microsoft automatically scrolls down slightly to hide its own Bing search bar at the top of the page.
Google Chrome Vice President and General Manager Parisa Tabriz lashed out at Microsoft following the development, calling it a "new low" for the company.
"Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, but Microsoft spoofing the Google homepage is another tactic in its long history of tricks to confuse users & limit choice. New year; new low @Microsoft," Tabriz wrote.
Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, but Microsoft spoofing the Google homepage is another tactic in its long history of tricks to confuse users & limit choice.
New year; new low @Microsoft https://t.co/LKSNNKB7HyJanuary 6, 2025AdvertisementUsers on social media called out Microsoft for the move, terming the update 'misleading'.
"When you search for 'Google' on Bing, you are presented with a fake Google-esque search page. Microsoft is misleading people into thinking that they are on another search engine by not propagating the search query into this search field," a user said.
When you search for 'Google' on Bing, you are presented with a fake Google-esque search page.
January 5, 2025
Microsoft is misleading people into thinking that they are on another search engine by not propagating the search query into this search field. pic.twitter.com/aYGuASRHU4"Microsoft is trying to trick U into using Bing by making you think U're using Google. If U're on Bing (signed out) and search for Google, a Bing page similar to Google will appear. Don't like MS tricking people, but I wish people would try Bing since Google results are bad," another user said.
😤 Microsoft is trying to trick U into using Bing by making you think U're using Google.
If U're on Bing (signed out) and search for Google, a Bing page similar to Google will appear.
Don't like MS tricking people, but I wish people would try Bing since Google results are bad pic.twitter.com/4YIUraFrMaJanuary 6, 2025AdvertisementMicrosoft and Google, the two search engine behemoths, often find themselves at loggerheads over their competition.
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