Bing.com (Microsoft's Live Search overhaul) is now available for everybody to use, as a public beta, with no sign-ups for invitations needed. TechCrunch has already tried it out for themselves, and has posted a list of things to try:

* An ambiguous Web search: 'turkey' (do you want images, recipes, facts, or a map of the country? The topic guides in the left explore pane will help you narrow your search). * A travel search: 'SFO to JFK' * Video search: 'Simpsons' (hover over the thumbnail to play the video) * Image search: 'Rollercoasters' (notice the infinite scroll). * A health search: 'Sore throat' * Shopping: 'Digital SLR' (sort by price or brand, get average ratings and CashBack). * Maps: 'BBQ' (automatically knows what city you are in and offers up geo-appropriate results). * News Search: 'Bing' (what else?)

Well, Bling.com seems to be a Google clone to me. Also there is probably a bit of overuse in the JavaScript department. Other than that I am impressed at Microsoft for trying to clean up their act. Now if they will just rename and improve all the other live services... It seems to me Microsoft is looking for a fresh start with Windows 7, even though technically it isn't. Bing is just an improved Live Search and Windows 7 an improved Windows Vista. But at least they are trying.