Microsoft claims to have invested $100 billion in Bing search

In the antitrust case against Google Search initiated by the U.S. Department of Justice, Microsoft’s CEO, Satya Nadella, has taken the stand as a witness. While such hearings are typically conducted in the public eye, on this occasion, proceedings were kept private owing to Google’s prior request for confidentiality.

However, statements made by Nadella at the event have been relayed by media present on-site, encompassing several segments for those interested in parsing through.

Satya Nadella articulated that Microsoft has, thus far, poured a staggering $100 billion into developing and fortifying its Bing search engine. Even with a market share trailing behind Google, Microsoft remains resolute in its conviction that it can carve a meaningful niche in the online search industry. Nadella opined that search or online searching represents the apex of software categories. Despite Microsoft’s marginal footprint in this arena, it remains unyielding in its commitment to Bing.

Nadella illuminated that Microsoft repeatedly extended overtures to Google, seeking the development of novel features, but was met with indifference. These sought-after features would enable advertisers on Google’s platform to seamlessly transition to Microsoft’s Bing. In essence, Google would furnish an API interface, permitting clients to oscillate between Google and Bing’s advertising platforms with ease. Google has consistently refrained from responding to such Microsoft entreaties.

Annually, Microsoft approaches Apple with proposals for collaboration, aspiring to become the default search engine within Safari, iOS Spotlight, or Siri. Yet, Apple has consistently demurred. Contrarily, Apple’s alliance with Google spans numerous years, during which Google compensates Apple handsomely for preserving its status as the default search engine.

Nadella provocatively posits: Were Google the sole contender in the market, would it still remunerate Apple? He further postulated that Apple is capitalizing on Microsoft’s offerings to elevate the tariffs they garner from Google.

Nadella contended that, currently, the most straightforward platform to modify the default search engine is Windows, while it’s significantly more challenging on mobile devices.

Many Windows aficionados might dispute this claim, especially given that Windows 10/11 disallows users from altering the default search engine within the search bar. The pre-installed Microsoft Edge primarily utilizes Bing, compelling users to navigate through settings to transition from Bing to Google. This process, in essence, mirrors the procedures on iPhone and Android devices, exhibiting comparable levels of complexity.