CARLSBAD, Calif — Bing, the new Microsoft search engine debuted here yesterday, is different.

What impressed me most is how Bing creates rich, well organized environments to do research, find entertainment and buy things — complete with toll free phone numbers.  For operators of e-commerce site or entertainment destination sites, particularly those who rely on display advertising, Bing is something to keep an eye on. 

So why is Bling different and will it succeed?  Hanging out in the press room at D: All Things Digital earlier this week, I has the good fortune to get the perspective of two of industry's most insightful writers, Erick Schonfeld, Co-Editor of TechCrunch and Ina Fried, lead Microsoft beat reporter at CNET News.com.

I spoke with Ina on Tuesday before the launch and Erick yesterday, immediately after the Ballmer presentation.

For more perspective on the Bing and how it creates unique informational environments, check out Esther Dyson's post on the Huffington Post.  And Charlene Li weighs in on why she likes Bing for shopping.

Erick and Techmeme's Gabe Rivera in the Press Room

Erick.Gabe Eyes closed, while meditating on his next headline, Techmeme founder Gabe Rivera takes a a peak at Erick's screen. 


Andy Plesser, Executive Producer