Despite very stiff competition from Google Search, Bing Search was able to gain market share to sign off 2012 with 16.3 percent, up from 16.2 percent. This rise in Bing Search market share could be attributed to the new social features added in 2012.

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With Windows Phone 8 doing well, Bing Search could hit over 25 percent at the expense of Google Search by 2014. This will all depend on how well Windows 8 and Windows Phone 8 performs in 2013, and from recent reports, Windows Phone 8 seems to be on the up while Windows 8 is regaining its footing.

Check out the comScore Search Share Report:

Credit: comScore

It seems Google Search doesn't have much room to grow at this point. Many Internet users are becoming more aware of Bing Search, and with the social features that allow users to see what their friends are doing on Bing, Google Search is bound to lose more market share throughout 2013.

Hitting Google where it hurts the most is important for Microsoft as the battle between the two tech giants intensifies. Expect Google to fight back vigorously to protect its core business model. For without search, Google will not be able to maintain some of its important projects such as Android, YouTube, and Gmail. Don't forget, YouTube is not yet profitable, and has never been since Google acquired it in 2006, and Android is no different. So at the end of it all, search is Google's biggest revenue generator as well as it weakest spot.

Things could get better for Microsoft if Apple chooses to launch the new iPhone with Bing Search instead of Google Search. Given the intense rivalry going on between Apple and Google, we won't be surprised if Tim Cook presents the next generation iPhone with Bing Search integrated.

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