Google vs. Baidu goes global

Two interesting pieces today suggesting that neither Google nor Baidu think the search engine heavyweight championship is anywhere near over either in China or the rest of the world.

China Tech Stories writes that Google is stepping up the pace in China. It notes "The system is gaining significant traction with it's personalized selection of dictionary and many users reported getting good relevancy in results. Perhaps learned from Baidu, Google acquired a small web navigation site, 265.com which is more like a web directory".

Meanwhile, London's Daily Telegraph reports that "Baidu bowls Google a fastball". We would have to assume the management of neither US-based Google or Beijing-based Baidu will recognise or appreciate the cricketing analogies although fastball is actually more of a baseball term. Check here for Wikipedia's learned explanation of the Googly....unless you're in mainland China of course where Wikipedia remains blocked and you will have to continue to wonder what it's all about.

The key point of the Telegraph story is that Baidu, having already set about the process of conquering Japan, is now turning its sights on Europe. "Chief financial officer Shawn Wang is expected to outline the group's expansion plans in London later this month", the article says. I wonder if this has any connection to the fake Baidu Europe site on which we reported back in February?

The article rather improbably continues with the suggestion that Alibaba is also considering a move to the UK. The sun never sets over the gin drinkers of the Telegraph's empire....at least in their imaginations as they settle into those leather club armchairs.