Microsoft unveiled a new look of its Windows Live Search that intends to strike a balance between the two approaches, while offering Live Search attributes in the process.

The new feature does not add much to the overall function of the search engine, except for boasting a background image that will apparently change periodically.

As per the Live Search Team, the background photo was added to find the best way to enrich user’s sense of discovery, delight and surprise while balancing engineering realities to ensure an improved user experience.

Moreover, the software leader has also made the images interactive of sorts by infusing ‘hotspots’ which display bits and pieces of information regarding the image along with link to related search engine results, when clicked.

Formerly, the executives at Microsoft have pushed hard upon the fact that their search engine was comparatively lighter to archrival Google’s load time. It has been stated that the base page loads initially, soon after followed by hotspots, which ensures that users start a search instantly.   

The image features some blurry squares that get displayed as soon as a mouse passes over them. In case the user waits for an additional second, a box pops up showing a message that lands them (users) to a page which comprises of additional information including photos and maps.

Similar to the previous look, the page features the search bar and allows users to opt for image and video searching. Moreover, links point towards Web pages for Live maps, news as well as other Microsoft services.

The latest Live Search main page is live for most based in the US, and Microsoft plans to introduce the concept in other markets as well in the near future.  

These efforts may enhance Microsoft’s value in the search market, but considering that it lags far behind Google and Yahoo, it cannot be said whether the company will be successful to create a strong enough impact over the Web.