Proof that Bing is trying to impersonate Google
A couple of days ago, I wrote an article about my impressions of the redesigns of Bing and how it seems to be changing in reaction to Google. It was getting to the point where it seemed as if they were trying to confuse users.
Some of the commentators disagreed vehemently. Some denied the changes, and said Google was copying Bing (what?!). Some said that this was the natural progression of design to a more minimalist view. While that second point does hold some merit, it doesn't explain the discrepancies between the Bing web search versus the larger Bing theme, especially the navigation bar underneath the search box and why these discrepancies happen to mimic Google.
Today, I have undeniable proof that Microsoft is trying to make Bing indistinguishable from Google. Take a look at these pictures below, chronologically (they show Bing before, Bing after, and then Google)
The first picture is similar to the screenshots in my old story. Now compare the first two (both Bing) pictures. Notice the grey bar at the top. Notice the navigation bar (web, image, videos, etc.) and the color change it has partaken. Now take a look at the last (Google) screenshot.
The navigation bar of Bing now looks almost exactly like that of Google. And this makes no sense! Orange/red is a Google theme, Bing should be using yellow (as they were). Further, the grey bar at the top is also a direct duplicate of Google's design.
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Bing before
Bing after
The only explanation is that they are imitating Google. Why? I am not quite sure. Normally, if you think you have a good product, you build a unique brand around it. Microsoft seems to be trying to dismantle Bing's brand. They renamed Bing apps to MSN, and now seem to be trying to steal traffic from Google in a slippery scheme. These changes can only be useful for tricking users that have been previously tricked into defaulting Bing as their search engine, and now don't even realize that they are using Bing -- not Google.
Do you have a better reason why Bing is trying out UI changes that imitate Google so closely?