Software giant Microsoft has launched the new Live.com search service in its ongoing battle to beat the mighty Google.

The search engine has been in beta testing for several months and features the streamlined look of Google's popular homepage.

The new engine will power MSN.com and other Microsoft properties, offering searches of the web, news, images, video, RSS feeds and blogs.

The basic site is a bar with several words underneath linking to, among other things, an image search, a Web-only search, and a map program featuring 3-D aerial shots similar to those found in Google maps.

"The launch of Live Search is a significant milestone for our services business, with our core search and monetization platform ready for prime time for MSN and Windows Live as well as for partners through syndication deals," said Christopher Payne, corporate vice president of Live Search at Microsoft.

"We now have the base to weave search through our services in ways that bring value to customers. This is just the beginning. We look forward to continued investment in search to deliver services that bring new levels of control and personalization to the Web experience."

Live.com