Bing adds a Carousel feature for Local Searches

Microsoft has rolled out its new Bing carousel for local searches, a specialized section of local search results that make it easier for users to find what they're looking for.

For example, if you were to search "cafe," you'd see a new, darkened section of search results that display local coffee shops and eateries. Because search engines are turning to a more localized form of search to refine results, the feature is expected to improve search by a long shot.

This recent change makes its way out of launch, just after Google dropped the same type of feature for several categories of search back in November. Included in the categories that Google no longer provides carousel search results for are - nightlife, restaurants, hotels, and entertainment. Google has replaced this feature with 3-pack listings and secondary pages.

How Does Carousel Work?

Bing has been labeled by Microsoft as a "decision engine" rather than a search engine, to enforce the idea of relevant and effective search results. The carousel design was implemented in order to quickly and efficiently designates users to what they're looking for.

Local search results for the given search term are displayed in a horizontal formation above traditional search results. Users can click on various results in the carousel to reveal extended information and locations for the brand. The extra information provided for each result will depend on the type of search term. For example, search terms relating to food will yield driving directions, Yelp reviews, hours of operation, links to the company website and menu, and much more.

The Bing carousel feature is ready for you try out right now! Simply navigate to Bing.com, type in a term for something you're locally looking for, and start browsing through localized search results right away.

How Long Will Carousel Last?

The exact reasons that Google dropped its own carousel feature are still unknown, but many were happy to see it go. Among all of the concerns and controversy that it stirred among businesses with web presences, two of the primary concerns were that results were difficult for business owners to optimize; and it was extremely difficult to get the search engine to choose the right display photo for the result.

There's a strong possibility that Bing users could have much of the same trouble with its carousel, and because of that, it's not yet clear - whether or not the feature will remain as a permanent fixture on the search results page. However, it's also possible that the "decision engine's" new feature could out-perform Google's failed variant. Only time will tell.