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Category: Microsoft

Microsoft Unveils Web IQ: Revolutionizing AI-Agent Searches

I’m excited to share that Microsoft has launched a groundbreaking search service specifically designed for AI-agents, as agents have unique search requirements compared to humans.

I’ve learned that Microsoft’s latest innovation, Web IQ, is here to bridge AI systems with real-time intelligence online. As a suite of AI-native grounding APIs, Web IQ sources fresh data, be it web pages, news, images, or videos, as announced by Microsoft here.

What is Web IQ? Web IQ is all about connecting AI systems to real-world updates, leveraging Bing’s index for superior understanding. I find it fascinating how it uses the same infrastructure as Microsoft Copilot and other leading LLMs, like ChatGPT.

However, I discovered that Web IQ’s APIs are newly developed for efficiency and relevance, crucial for serving Bing, Copilot, and ChatGPT queries rapidly.

For AI-Agents, Not Humans. Web IQ tailors search results specifically for AI-agents. Unlike human-oriented Bing Search, ranking isn’t a priority here, as agents need swift information extraction, as stated by Jordi Ribas, President of Search & AI at Microsoft.

Unlike us, AI-agents don’t just issue a single query; they delve deeper and continuously expand their search. This paradigm shift meant re-architecting search from indexing to orchestration, aligning it with AI needs, as per Microsoft’s insights.

Given the frequency of searches AI-agents perform, Microsoft designed Web IQ to operate efficiently, minimizing token usage to deliver better and faster results. It’s currently 2.5 times faster than its nearest competitor.

Access and Availability. At present, Web IQ supports Microsoft Copilot, OpenAI’s ChatGPT, and other large LLM platforms. As Microsoft scales this technology, I expect wider access to follow.

If you want to express interest in Web IQ, Microsoft encourages you to visit this page.

Why this Matters. As we witness the web transforming to accommodate agentic technologies, keeping an eye on these developments is vital. Websites, including mine, must evolve alongside these AI advancements.

AI-agents aren’t just a trend; they’re part of the web’s next evolution. I’m preparing to embrace this change, and I suggest you do too.

Inspired by this post on Search Engine Land.

June 2, 2026
Unlocking Insights: Microsoft Clarity’s New Citations Dashboard

I’m thrilled to share that Microsoft has unveiled the Citations dashboard within Microsoft Clarity, their powerful analytics tool. This exciting update means you can now see how your content is being referenced in AI-generated responses across various AI platforms.

The introduction of this feature moves Citations in Microsoft Clarity into general availability, complete with all the refinements users have come to expect. With this, you’ll have clearer visibility into how your pages are performing in AI-driven experiences.

Citations Dashboard. With the Citations dashboard, I can monitor how my content is referenced in AI-generated answers by summarizing and aggregating citation activities. This is crucial because it covers essential areas such as:

Page Citations: This displays the frequency of page references from my domain in AI-generated answers during a specified period, even if multiple citations occur within the same answer.

Share of Authority: Here’s where I get a competitive view of how many citations my domain receives compared to others during the same set of queries.

AI Referral Traffic: This metric shows the percentage of my site’s sessions that originated from AI assistants in the chosen timeframe, calculated by dividing AI-referred sessions by total sessions.

Queries: Understanding the queries AI systems use to evaluate and retrieve my content gives me insight into AI’s interpretation of user intent.

My Cited Pages: I can view which URLs from my domain AI systems often cite, complete with citation counts and corresponding grounding queries.

Trendlines: These help me track changes in citation activity over time as content and AI query patterns evolve.

Microsoft also improved Clarity by enhancing the reporting model, query views, filtering, and pagination, making it more robust and efficient for analyzing larger datasets over extended periods.

To check out Citations, navigate to Dashboards, then select AI Visibility, and finally Citations. For additional details, you can visit this help document.

What it looks like. Here’s a glimpse of the Citations dashboard in Microsoft Clarity:

Why we care. As AI search continues to gain traction, understanding how users discover our content and websites through AI is invaluable. Clarity’s new Citations report equips us with the necessary tools to navigate this landscape effectively.

Similarly, Google Analytics has also introduced AI assistant traffic reporting to enhance our understanding of AI-driven traffic.

Expect these reporting tools to evolve and improve over time, providing even more robust insights.

Inspired by this post on Search Engine Land.

May 15, 2026
Effortless Google PMax Campaign Import with Microsoft Updates
I’m thrilled to share that Microsoft is simplifying the process of expanding Google PMax campaigns into Microsoft, allowing us to enjoy greater visibility and control over our campaign performance.

Microsoft Advertising is launching several updates to make managing, measuring, and migrating Performance Max campaigns more straightforward, especially for those of us already familiar with Google Ads.

Driving the news. Microsoft now allows us to import Google PMax campaigns with new customer acquisition (NCA) goals, a feature that’s been part of Microsoft since earlier this year.

The update is live for all advertisers now, enabling us to transfer campaigns focused on first-time buyers more seamlessly, without having to start from scratch.

What’s new. Microsoft ensures that when we import Google PMax campaigns with NCA goals, they will be retained if they don’t already exist in our account. Our existing settings won’t be overwritten.

Regarding audience lists:
- Google website visitor segments transform into Microsoft remarketing lists.
- Google’s “all visitors” and “all converters” lists map to similar lists on Microsoft.
- For unsupported lists like Customer Match, we may need to use alternate options.
I’ve also noticed that Microsoft takes a cautious approach with “unknown” customers, categorizing them as existing customers to avoid inflating new customer conversion counts.

Why we care. This initiative could streamline cross-platform campaign expansion and reduce the hassle of rebuilding, making it simpler to test Microsoft’s PMax inventory. Plus, enhanced landing page reporting and search term insights offer a clearer picture of campaign performance, aiding our optimization and budget decisions.

More visibility for PMax. Microsoft is integrating landing page (Final URL) reporting for PMax campaigns, allowing us to review spend, clicks, impressions, conversion value, and ROAS by landing page.

We can also break this information down by campaign, asset group, and other dimensions.

Additionally, Microsoft stated that search term reporting will become more apparent by default, with more transparency updates such as auction insights and publisher URL metrics rolling out soon.

Other key updates:
- Seasonality adjustments now support portfolio bid strategies, aiding short-term promotions.
- Campaign name limits have increased, enabling up to 400 characters for easier management.
- Autogenerated assets are improving ad relevance and performance by filling in underused Responsive Search Ads.
- Merchant Center users can directly update store names and domains without needing support.
The bottom line. These updates simplify scaling across platforms, save time on campaign setups, and enhance our visibility into campaign performance, giving us greater control over efficiency and outcomes.

Inspired by this post on Search Engine Land.
April 16, 2026
Revamp Your Store Easily with Microsoft’s New Merchant Center Update

I’ve got some exciting news for those of us using Microsoft Advertising! Now, we can update our Merchant Center store names and domains without the hassle of submitting a support ticket. Everything is streamlined directly through the platform.

Why does this matter? As businesses grow or undergo rebranding, being able to quickly adjust names and URLs is crucial. Previously, I had to go through a cumbersome process, but now I have full control to make these changes seamlessly.

Here’s how it works:

When I want to change my store name, it goes through an editorial review. The best part? My ads continue to run under the old name, so there’s no downtime for my campaigns.

If I decide to switch my domain or URL, verification of the new domain is needed. Meanwhile, my ads still serve on the old domain, keeping my advertising efforts uninterrupted. Once approved, I’ll update product URLs to reflect the new domain.

Reusing store names or domains is perfectly fine as long as everything passes the editorial checks and domain verification. This provides me with flexibility while maintaining quality standards.

The bottom line? This update empowers me with more control over my store settings. It also ensures compliance by having robust checks like editorial reviews and domain verifications in place, safeguarding the quality of my ads.

Inspired by this post on Search Engine Land.

March 30, 2026
Bing Enhances AI Query Links to Cited Pages for SEO Insight
Recently, I’ve noticed something exciting happening on Bing. Now, when I use Bing Webmaster Tools, I can click a query to view its cited pages or select a page to see its grounding queries. It feels like a new level of connectivity where multiple queries and pages are seamlessly linked together.

Microsoft has introduced query-to-page mapping within its AI Performance report on Bing Webmaster Tools. I find this feature incredibly helpful because it lets me directly connect AI-generated queries to cited URLs. This makes my SEO strategies more precise.

Why it matters to us. Before this update, Bing’s dashboard presented queries and pages separately, which limited our optimization efforts. Now, I can align specific AI-triggering queries with the exact pages they reference, focusing my updates on real AI-driven demand rather than guesswork.

Here’s the scoop. The Grounding Query–Page Mapping feature is a game-changer in the AI Performance dashboard:
- With a click on a grounding query, I can see which pages are cited.
- I can also click a page to find out which grounding queries are driving its citations.
- The mapping system is many-to-many, meaning one query can be linked to multiple pages and vice versa.
Catch up with Bing. Back in February, Microsoft launched the AI Performance report in Bing Webmaster Tools, marking its initial GEO-focused dashboard. This tool keeps track of where and how often my content gets cited in AI answers across platforms like Bing, Copilot, and more.
- It tracks the grounding queries, cited URLs, and visibility trends over time, providing an insightful view into citation visibility.
The buzz. According to Microsoft, this update came about due to “strong positive customer feedback and numerous requests,” and I can see why it’s so well-received.

The announcement. The unveiling of the query-to-page mapping feature was detailed in a Microsoft Advertising blog post: The AI Performance dashboard: Your view into where your brand appears across the AI web

Inspired by this post on Search Engine Land.
March 24, 2026
Discover Bing’s New Multi-Turn Search Feature Now Live Worldwide

I’m excited to share that Microsoft has introduced a game-changing update to Bing with the global rollout of multi-turn search. As I scroll through Bing’s search results, I now see a Copilot search box conveniently positioned at the bottom, waiting to assist with follow-up queries.

What is multi-turn search? In essence, this feature enables me to continue my search seamlessly. Imagine typing a follow-up question in the Copilot search box right at the bottom of the results page without any need to scroll back up. It feels so intuitive and user-friendly!

Here’s a vivid screenshot that perfectly captures this experience:

And here’s a video that brings it to life, showcasing the seamless functionality:

Here’s what Microsoft had to say. Jordi Ribas, the CVP and Head of Search at Microsoft, took to X to share this exciting update, revealing that “After shipping in the US last year, multi-turn search in Bing is now available worldwide.”

Ribas went on to explain that “Bing users don’t need to scroll up to do the next query, and the next turn will keep context when appropriate,” indicating a significant enhancement in user experience.

He further noted, “We’ve seen gains in engagement and sessions per user in our online metrics, highlighting the positive user value of this approach.”

Why it’s important for us. With many search engines, including giants like Google, trying to push for more AI integration, Bing’s new feature is a step in that direction. Google’s AI Overviews, although not entirely without controversy, are pushing users deeper into AI interfaces. Meanwhile, Bing’s Copilot box, after rigorous testing over several months, is now fully available, underscoring Microsoft’s commitment to user-centered innovation.

Inspired by this post on Search Engine Land.

February 3, 2026
Discover Bing’s New AI Performance Insights: A Sneak Peek

I recently discovered that Bing is testing a new AI Performance report within their Webmaster Tools. This has piqued my interest, especially since Microsoft has been teasing the idea of providing better insights into website performance in AI-driven Bing and Copilot searches for months.

It all started back in February 2023, and then in April 2023, Microsoft hinted at delivering data on Bing Chat and AI search impressions. Sadly, our hopes were dashed when they lumped this data together with regular web queries, leaving us still in the dark about our sites’ performance in Bing’s AI experiences. I can’t help but feel a bit let down.

Now, it seems Bing is experimenting with a new report within Bing Webmaster Tools, known as the AI Performance report. This report is in a super limited beta phase, and Microsoft hasn’t officially announced anything yet. A source shared that it showcases citation data from both Microsoft Copilot and its partners, detailing the number of citations and cited pages per day.

With this report, I can see how often Copilot cites my website and across how many pages. However, it still doesn’t reveal how many people clicked through from those citations to my site. The report also presents data categorized by “grounding queries” and “pages.” While “grounding queries” might not represent the exact query entered in Copilot, it shows how Bing interprets them, including insights into the intent behind such queries, like whether they are navigational or informational.

This new report lets me identify the specific pages Copilot cites. While there’s excitement in seeing more AI performance-related data pop up in Bing Webmaster Tools, I can’t shake the feeling of wanting click-through data. Knowing the click-through rate from AI interactions compared to regular web searches is something I, and I’m sure many other publishers and site owners, have been eagerly anticipating.

It feels like all search engines are intentionally keeping this data under wraps, and it’s frustrating not having full transparency.

Inspired by this post on Search Engine Land.

January 27, 2026
Boosting AI Search Visibility: Avoiding Duplicate Content
Have you ever considered how duplicate content might be impacting your visibility in AI search results? Fabrice Canel and Krishna Madhavan from Microsoft recently discussed how duplicate content complicates AI search systems, reducing the chances of selecting the correct version for summarization.
Much like traditional search engines, AI search platforms such as Bing and Google rely on consistent intent signals. When your content appears in duplicate forms, it can confuse these systems, making it difficult for them to interpret signals accurately.
The Impact of Duplicate Content on AI Search. Here are key takeaways from the Bing blog about the impact of duplicate content:
AI search utilizes traditional SEO signals while also adding layers to understand user intent.
Repeated content across multiple pages weakens intent signals, complicating AI interpretation, and selection.
If several pages contain similar content, AI cannot easily identify which aligns with user intent, reducing preferred page selection chances.
Large Language Models (LLMs) cluster near-duplicate URLs, often selecting outdated versions if variations are minimal.
Campaign pages and localized versions must differ meaningfully; identical content provides less matching signal.
AI favors updates, but duplicates can slow the process of updating system information.
The Challenge of Syndicated Content. Many might not realize syndicated content—articles republished on various sites—can also be problematic. Microsoft considers this duplicate content because identical articles across domains make it difficult for search engines and AI to identify the original source.
Strategies to Minimize Duplicate Content. If you deal with syndicated content, ask partners to:
- Use canonical tags directing to the original version on your site.
- Rework content for uniqueness.
- Noindex republished articles to prevent search engine indexing.
Organizing Campaign Pages for Clarity. Microsoft warns that campaign pages with only minor changes can still be considered duplicates. To manage this:
- Designate a primary campaign page for interaction.
- Apply canonical tags to variations without unique intent.
- Maintain separate pages for distinct intents like seasonal offers or local pricing.
- Redirect outdated or redundant pages to consolidate content.
Handling Localization Pages. Localization can also produce duplicate content if differences are minimal. Microsoft suggests:
- Introduce meaningful local variations with examples, terminology, or regulations.
- Avoid multiple same-language pages for identical purposes.
- Use hreflang to define language and regional targeting accurately.
Addressing Technical SEO Concerns. Technical issues can lead to URL duplication, often managed automatically by search engines. However, it’s best to prevent this by maintaining a single URL per content piece. Common problems include:
- Utilize 301 redirects for URL consolidation.
- Apply canonical tags when accessible versions are necessary.
- Ensure consistent URL structures site-wide.
- Restrict crawler access to staging or archived URLs.
Why This Matters. While duplicate content is not a new issue in SEO, its importance extends into AI search. Familiarity with its impact on indexing and ranking can guide strategies for improved visibility.
For more insights, visit the Bing Webmaster blog.

Inspired by this post on Search Engine Land.
December 19, 2025
Google Withdraws EU Complaint as New Microsoft Probe Begins

I witnessed Google take a major step by pulling back its antitrust complaint against Microsoft following a new EU investigation into cloud licensing practices. This decision marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing tug-of-war between tech giants.

Driving the news. Just as the European Commission initiated fresh inquiries into whether Microsoft’s Azure and Amazon Web Services are compliant with the Digital Markets Act (DMA), Google decided to let go of its 2024 complaint. This complaint was primarily focused on what Google considered Microsoft’s unfair cloud licensing strategies. Nevertheless, Google assures us that pulling back doesn’t equate to giving up.

What they’re saying. Giorgia Abeltino, who leads public policy at Google Cloud Europe, emphasized, “We filed our antitrust complaint…to give voice to our customers and partners.” She reaffirmed Google’s commitment to the concerns initially raised.

Why we care. The EU’s deep dive into Microsoft’s cloud operations might just revolutionize the infrastructure supporting various ad-tech tools, measurement systems, and AI workflows. Should regulators enforce changes to Microsoft’s Azure, we may see a more competitive landscape emerging, benefiting us with cost reductions and improved tool interoperability.

Simply put, competition within the cloud domain influences the speed, affordability, and dependability of the tools advertisers depend on daily.

The backdrop:

I observed that Google accused Microsoft of using restrictive software licensing to make other cloud services less appealing.

This complaint followed closely after Microsoft resolved a related dispute with the cloud advocacy group CISPE.

It’s worth noting that other Microsoft and Amazon sectors, such as Windows and Amazon’s marketplace, are already under the ambit of the DMA.

State of play. While the EU remains vigilant in monitoring cloud competition, Microsoft has opted not to comment on these developments.

Bottom line. Google’s decision to withdraw isn’t a retreat but rather a shift of focus as the regulatory battleground opens new fronts with EU scrutiny on Microsoft and AWS drawing sharper lines with tougher regulations soon on the horizon.

Inspired by this post on Search Engine Land.

December 1, 2025