MSN today launched its new search engine, which it said it has built from scratch to consumers' tastes.

In the ongoing battle to challenge Google's supremacy, Microsoft said the final version was built on feedback from its second public beta version of the service, launched in November 2004. This has allowed it to refine MSN Search into a search tool that is faster than ever and more relevant to consumers needs.

The tool has a five billion document index, which is refreshed every two days and users can also link to the online resources of Microsoft's encyclopaedia, Encarta. The facility also includes free access to Encarta online Premium content.

Choosing certain search criteria, such as specific websites, country, region or language, can narrow searches down. Customers who have specific criteria they want to apply to their searches can refer to a menu of adjustable onscreen 'graphic equalisers'.