Bing Aims to Reduce Search Time with Autosuggest

by Stephen Logan on 20th January 2010

Microsoft search engine Bing has highlighted the work it has undertaken to improve its autosuggest function, which it hopes will reduce the amount of time it takes users to find what they are looking for.

Product managers Kindra Mason and Robert Williams revealed on the Bing blog that the programme, which offers suggestions of popular topics depending on the first few keystrokes, now updates itself every 15 minutes.

They explained that breaking news and "hot trending" is incorporated into the autosuggest service to be as current as possible, so companies delivering SEO services could benefit from utilising up-to-date keywords.

"Curious to know when Tiger Woods will return to golf? Start typing Tig and autosuggest surfaces relevant queries that can help connect you with the latest news," the Bing representatives commented.

In their view, the tool allows people to type less and find what they are looking for easier and quicker.

This week, Bing revealed that it is updating its privacy policy to reduce the number of months it retains searchers IP addresses from 18 down to six.