Microsoft testing new Bing navigation bar ahead of HTML5 preview

By Tom Warren, on 18th Mar 11 3:21 pm with 10 Comments

Bing's new navigation bar

Microsoft is testing a new Bing navigation bar interface ahead of a public preview of its HTML5 driven interface.

WinRumors readers have tipped us off several times about the new interface, currently under testing. Microsoft is randomly selecting U.S. users to try out a new navigation bar at the top of Bing’s search results. The change comes as Microsoft is preparing to unveil a beta preview version of Bing. The HTML5 version has been delayed several times by the company and is expected to launch shortly.

Microsoft made a preview page for Bing HTML5 available earlier this month before taking the page offline. Bing’s HTML5 will include smooth animations to allow users to jump backwards in their search history. Bing will also introduce small, hovering windows as you scroll down the screen to keep navigation tabs in view. Bing will also enable animated pictures and automatically generated slideshows so users can visually explore a search query.

Bing will also introduce an “instant” search similar to rival Google. The instant search will allow page elements to automatically transition as the user types their search query into the bing box. Microsoft will make HTML5 Bing available as a beta preview version “soon” according to one person familiar with the company’s plans.

  • http://twitter.com/kenobeano Keno Butler

    cant wait to use this

  • Guest

    They showed the Bing HTML 5 UI last June. How can it take this long to release even a beta?

    • GP007

      The wait was for IE9 more than anything else. Why would they flip the switch on HTML5 when MS’s main browser is still IE8 and can’t run it? IE9 will hit WU on Monday so I expect HTML5 Bing soon.

    • Guest

      Then why preview HTML5 Bing last summer? What’s the point? All they did was show their cards a year before they were able to play them.

    • GP007

      And did anyone take advantage of it? I don’t see Google changing it’s site. Unless you mean overloading all it’s web services making them JS heavy so it can make chrome look better.

    • GP007

      And did anyone take advantage of it? I don’t see Google changing it’s site. Unless you mean overloading all it’s web services making them JS heavy so it can make chrome look better.

  • Sean Burns

    I like it. I’m using it on my Firefox 4 RC.

  • Guest C

    I do also have it active – unfortunately on IE8 so no HTML5 goodies :-/

    Full screenshot: http://img218.imageshack.us/i/bingn.png/

  • http://twitter.com/kenobeano Keno Butler

    needs to be a little more softer on the eyes in my opinion

  • Guest

    No doubt it will be formally launched at Mix 11.