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In the ever-competitive landscape of search engines, Microsoft's recent attempt to blur the lines between Bing and Google has drawn significant criticism from industry leaders and users alike. The tech giant has now quietly discontinued a controversial interface design that attempted to make Bing appear as Google to users.The Deceptive DesignMicrosoft implemented a sophisticated UI trick that activated when users searched for Google on Bing. The search results page displayed a Google-like interface, complete with a centralized search bar and a background resembling Google's signature Doodles. The design even included automated scrolling to hide Bing's native search bar, creating an illusion that users were interacting with Google's search engine.Industry ResponseGoogle's response to Microsoft's tactics was swift and pointed. Parisa Tabriz, Google Chrome's General Manager, publicly criticized the move on X (formerly Twitter), describing it as another tactic in Microsoft's long history of tricks to confuse users & limit choice. The statement highlighted the growing tension between the two tech giants in the search engine market.Pattern of Controversial PracticesThis incident isn't isolated but part of a broader pattern of Microsoft's aggressive strategies to retain users within its ecosystem. Previous tactics included modifying Chrome download pages and implementing intrusive pop-up notifications that some users compared to malware-like behavior. These practices have consistently drawn criticism for potentially limiting user choice and creating confusion.Timeline of Microsoft's Controversial Practices:UI Spoofing of Google Search interfaceModification of Chrome download sitesImplementation of intrusive pop-up notificationsPrevious incidents of "unintended behavior" in Chrome advertisementsSwift ReversalFollowing public exposure and criticism, Microsoft has quietly removed the spoofed interface. The company has maintained silence on the matter, refusing to comment on either the implementation or removal of the feature. This swift reversal suggests an acknowledgment of the controversial nature of their approach to user retention.Impact on User TrustThis incident raises important questions about ethical practices in tech competition and user interface design. As search engines continue to compete for market share, the line between innovative marketing and deceptive practices becomes increasingly important for users and industry observers to monitor.