Support our non-partisan non-profit newsroom 💜 Donate now

The new phase of the Microsoft-Google rivalry: AI and the cloud

Oct 25, 2023
Google, aka Alphabet, and Microsoft are longtime rivals. Lately, Microsoft has been on the offensive, building strength in key areas of tech.
Microsoft invested in OpenAI, the maker of ChatGPT, which is now integrated into the Bing search engine.
Lionel Bonaventure/AFP via Getty Images

As search engines race to incorporate ChatGPT technology, where does that leave digital advertisers?

Feb 7, 2023
Microsoft's latest version of Bing includes answers generated by ChatGPT tech. Here's what that could mean for sponsored links and content publishers.
Jason Redmond/AFP via Getty

'Bing it on'? Not so fast...

Oct 7, 2013
Microsoft's claim that users prefer its search engine Bing over Google is dubious.

Is this search link an ad?

Jun 26, 2013
The FTC has told two dozen Internet search engines to make sure online consumers can tell the difference between advertising and the 'natural' results of an Internet search.

FTC tells search engines to clearly label advertisements

Jun 26, 2013
In a letter today to Google, Bing and other search engines, the Federal Trade Commission warned of a need to "clearly and prominently" distinguish ads from natural search results.

Just ask Klout

May 23, 2013
Online company Klout, known for ranking people for online influence, is rolling out a search feature that uses those influencers as magnets for consumer questions -- and advertising dollars.
A marketing logo from Klout.
Klout

Google users get 'Scroogled' in Microsoft's new ads

Nov 28, 2012
Microsoft's Bing is doing all it can to gain market share from Google.

For public good, not for profit.

Social search gets bigger, and Instapaper's founder Marco Arment starts 'The Magazine'

Oct 17, 2012
Google has broadened the data it's pulling into its version of what's being called "social search," and famous developer Marco Arment starts his own magazine.

Microsoft takes write-down to make up for Internet losses

Jul 3, 2012
Bing is no boon, so Microsoft books a $6.2 billion charge and wipes out quarterly profit.