Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC

Sharon Cohen

Sean O Lyndersay

Benjamin N Truelove

Mike Pell

Warren G Stevens

Tariq Sharif

Sebastien Zimmermann

Eric A Vera

Jonathan A Gass

Amy Adams Placzkiewicz

An application provides a search box that is configured to enable a user to enter searchable text. The application provides a quick pick search provider menu that is configured to include different sections that provide suggestions as text is entered into the search box. At least some of the suggestions are locally maintained, and at least some other of the suggestions are received from one or more remote search providers. In some embodiments, the application can comprise a web browser.

Switching search providers within an application search box

Various embodiments enable information, in addition to textual information, to be presented to a user when the user enters a search query in a search box forming part of a user interface of an application. In one or more embodiments, a Web browser provides a search box in which a user can enter a search query. While the user is entering a search query, the Web browser can communicate with a third-party search provider to receive information, such as non-textual information, which can be presented to the user to assist in formulating their search query. The non-textual information can include images and other visual information of a non-textual nature.

Providing suggestions during formation of a search query

A Web browser includes a quick pick search provider menu that provides a user interface which provides a user with the ability to quickly select a new search provider which appears when the user places focus in the Web browser's search box. In one or more embodiments, the Web browser's search box comprises a native part of the Web browser and is not a search box associated with an installed tool bar. In other embodiments, search box functionality is provided as an extension to the Web browser. Further, various embodiments enable the user to switch between search providers in an easy and intuitive way. Yet other embodiments provide an opportunity for users to switch between search providers using keywords in the search box. Further embodiments enable users to define collections of search providers to which individual searches can be sent.

Switching search providers within a browser search box

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Redmond, WA, United States of America

Sharon Cohen