Microsoft to Launch Next Generation Search Engine- Kumo

Although Microsoft is testing the search engine under the Kumo name, executives have said that is just one of several names the company is considering.

Microsoft has reportedly put up a clock in one of its buildings with a 40-day countdown to the launch of its next generation search engine, code named Kumo.

The search engine focuses on a couple of areas, including an attempt to break down a search query into a couple more detailed options. When searching, say, for the term \"Audi,\" Kumo breaks things down into an initial result with facts such as price and fuel economy pulled out in bold, followed by general Web results, then results by category, such as Audi parts, used Audis, and Audi accessories.

The software maker has been testing its search engine internally since last month, but has not said exactly when the service would launch. The countdown appears to roughly coincide with a speech from newly minted online boss Qi Lu, who is slated to speak at the SMX Advanced event on June 3. The timing also seems to coincide with reports that Microsoft plans a big ad campaign for its search engine starting this summer.