Microsoft has released itspreview sitefor Bing’s HTML5 update, which is currently undergoing development. Microsoft first announced the upcoming Bing preview in September 2010 at the Internet Explorer 9 beta launch. The new version of the search engine will feature instant search, similar to Google’s, which allows the user to change the search query and see new results as they type. Bing will also receive a number of interface updates, such as animated search history navigation....

TNW Quick Hit: We can’t quite put our finger on it, but there is something unique about Microsoft’s commercials, and we don’t mean that in much of a positive light. But there are times in which Microsoft’s usual blend of contrived plot, and overly scripted ‘real person’ angling actually produces something watchable. The latest commercial from Redmond is just such a case. The spot is all about buying a new PC, and as usual Microsoft manages to appear like a profligate, odd uncle in the process, this time by building an entire Windows Store inside of a woman’s home....

Microsoftannounced on Wednesdaythat it had agreed a deal with smartphone and tablet vendor Velocity Micro Inc. to license its patents, ensuring the Redmond-based company will receive royalties for every Android device released whilst under the agreement. Velocity Micro is the latest vendor to license patents from Microsoft, joining General Dynamics Itronix which signed what looks to be a very similar deal. Microsoft began its licensing program in 2003 and has now entered more than 700 licensing agreements to its customers, partners and competitors....

It’s raining metaverses all around the world. Days after Facebook said that it’srenaming the company to Metato indicate its future direction, Microsoft kicked-offitsown metaverse master plan. Last night, CEO and chairman Satya Nadella made the announcement on Twitter with a video. He described it as something that spans “from the factory floor to the meeting room.” The firm said the first part of metaverse will beMesh for Teams,which will be available sometime next year....

Despite expensive ad campaigns and promising future products, Microsoft’s mobile market share only seems to move in one direction: down. Newdata from comScorepaints a sad picture for any fan of Microsoft’s mobile offerings: As of May, Microsoft controlled only 5.8% of the US smartphone market. That is down 1.9% since February. On a percentage basis, it is a roughly 25% drop in market share from its previous tab of 7.7%. From a different perspective, Microsoft is shedding 6% of its market share a month at the moment....