Microsoft execs, over the past years, constantly said that the internet search can be done much better. But can it? Microsoft confirmed that a new search engine called Kumo is currently being tested. Based on technology from its Powerset acquisition, that is likely to be an early version of a soon-to-be-rebranded Live Search product.

`"Microsoft is using the Kumo.com URL for internal testing purposes only," the company said via e-mail through its public relations firm Tuesday.
The company did say Tuesday that the Kumo engine being tested "shows a number of technologies in development and is a very early internal preview of directions we’re exploring" for its search engine.

The Kumo trademark application and registered URLs suggest Microsoft may use the name for more than just its search engine but for a host of software and services, including advertising and telecommunications services, education, training, entertainment, and the design and development of computer hardware and services.

The Kumo search engine is intended to help users "accomplish tasks" rather than clicking on search results. The service features an explorer pane on the left side of the results listings with ostensibly-related search terms and tools to help users refine or manage their search.

As the Microsoft memo suggests, the company plans to try out a few new ideas with the user interface. The search results listings is also organizing results into clear categories, where possible. Kumo also features a session history so users can easily find and return to previous search hits.

Microsoft hasn't announced when Kumo might be released, but the company is already making its employees use it wisely, redirecting in-house search traffic from Live Search to Kumo to see what people think.