Microsoft gambles users will tire of Google

Microsoft (MSFT) will begin to kick the tires on its new search engine. According toThe Wall Street Journal, "Microsoft Corp. has begun testing a revamped version of its internet search service, dubbed Kumo.com, as the software giant tries to improve its third-place position in the online search market." Of course, Redmond says that it has built a better mouse trap and that results will be more relevant to users than those of other search products.

Microsoft's success with the product may be largely out of its hands. It has 10 percent of the U.S. search market, by most estimates. Google (GOOG) has close to 60 percent. Microsoft's best chance of picking up ground may not be better technology. It may be based on whether people are tiring of using Google.