Microsoft Bing adds visual search

Software giant Microsoft has introduced "visual search" to its Bing search engine to try to further set itself apart from market leader Google. The new feature will allow users to browse results using pictures instead of text. Visual search will initially concentrate on four main areas: travel, health, leisure and shopping. "The whole concept is that the world of search is going to change," said Microsoft's Yusuf Mehdi. "There will be a more graphic way people will search, and it will pivot how people search," said Mr Mehdi, the firm's senior vice-president of online service. Microsoft unveiled the beta, or test version of the feature, at TechCrunch 50, a conference being held in San Francisco for start-ups to pitch their ideas to investors.

Source: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/technology/8256046.stm