Just when we were assuming that MSN is all but an appendage of Bing, and just when we were all taking the presence of MSN as granted, it resurrect from the ashes and bounces back in an all new form. But was it really needed? Does not make any difference as far as the brand value of MSN is concerned? These are some of the disconcerting issues, which are now plaguing MSN.

All-New Graphical Garbage
Obviously, the new look of MSN is something to take note of, but has it anything to do with the search result. When Google is trying to promote a minimalist design, MSN and Yahoo have chosen a different route altogether. It seems that they are consistently shifting their focus from their main area of work i.e. search, and are doing something that has more similarity to a website design company than with a search engine.

However, this new interface of MSN is much cleaner than its previous version, it does not look like a search engine at all. It appears like a BBC or a news sites at the first glance. Even I have asked some of my friends and they all took it to be another good news sites. The only difference is that its search option is bigger and fuller than other news sites. What’s more, the use of large images have worsen the situation further.

Diverting Attention
The absence of blue, which has become more or less a trademark of MSN, is welcome relief. A clear interface along with white background has given it a new lease of life. But, what I have noticed is that its new interface is seriously distracting the users. The sheer glamour and glossiness of the images and the use of large text are both acting a driving force in shifting the attention of the users. This is something that is highly unlikely of a search engine.

Embracing Social Network
I think it is too little and too late from MSN. It has ultimately accepted the importance of social networking and has finally added a new section especially dedicated for this purpose. Users will be able to get regular updates while browsing other section of MSN. But it took awfully long time to integrate social networking sites in its home page, whereas Google has already launched “Real Time Search” that is definitely a smart move.

Loading Time
The new interface may look awesome and magnificent, but is taking extra one second to download all its content as oppose to its previous version. Use of extensive codes is now taking its toll and it will definitely not augur well for future.
However, the local edition of MSN is slightly better off than its Global edition as far as the performance is concerned. Local edition is taking 2.582 seconds, which is slightly better.

In conclusion, the interface of MSN is nothing novel as far as the design standard is concerned. There is nothing extraordinary in it. It just follows (partially) the rules of Web 3.0 but it has even tried to create something out-of-the-box, something that other people will follow. And which is why it is MSN and not another Google.