Microsoft Updates Web Search Offering

Microsoft introduced several new online technologies Tuesday, including early versions of the classified Internet services and local search function, providing an extremely detailed pictures of local streets.

Microsoft also said it plans to begin testing desktop e-mail product design work with the companys online e-mail accounts, similar to Microsofts Outlook Express.

Spate of online part of the effort, and Microsoft headquarters in Washington, software makers broader goal of improving its Internet-based offerings, to better communicate with competitors such as Google and Yahoo New search function, called the "street view, the" purpose of giving a drivers point of downtown Seattle and San Francisco, with a detailed picture of the situation enough to train and people. Be still in the experimental stage, its like amazon.com companys A9 search engine, which provides detailed street-level views of some cities.

Microsoft had previously announced plans to start online classified services in the United States, the so-called Windows Live Expo, in the hope of competition and the likes of Craigslist.

Test version launched Tuesday distinguishes it from competitors, so that people can choose to narrowly define who see their goods. For example, sellers can make their goods available only to those who work in their companies on the basis of e-mail addresses. Or, they may limit their products, the only people on their instant messenger "buddy list." It also look forward to more geographically personalized, the seller is required to provide a ZIP code search purposes.

Microsoft shares fell 18 cents to 26.87 US dollars Tuesday on the Nasdaq stock market.