Microsoft has announced that it will promote its new AI-supported version of Bing in the Windows 11 taskbar as it attempts to make it simpler for users to use the new Bing chatbot as an alternative to Google Search.
Currently, the change will only impact those with access to the new version of Bing; you will need to join a waitlist to get access.
- As of 2021, Microsoft's Windows still controlled 82% of the operating system market and drove 9% of Microsoft's current revenues.
- As of January 2023, 18% of Windows computers had Windows 11, while 69% had Windows 10. The impact of this change is more likely to be felt in the coming years as Microsoft will end support for Windows 10 in 2025, forcing users to upgrade to Windows 11, where they will be exposed to the new Bing.
- According to Microsoft's head of product, Panos Panay, more than 500 million people currently use the search box in the Windows taskbar each month.
- A survey of 127 people who had gained access to the new Bing found that while 86% said they were impressed with the technology, just 17% would make it their default search engine.
