Google Responds To Cash Back Concept

Google is taking a shot at Microsoft over its new Live Search “Cash Back” program.

The company’s director of business product management, Nicholas Fox, ridiculed the idea of Google following suit.

“We have no plans to pay users to use our product,” he said. “Our fundamental belief is that we should compete by building a great user experience … rather than paying users nickels and dimes.”

Microsoft’s program, launched this week, actually gives users money when they use the Live site to search for a product and then end up making a purchase through a partnered retailer. It offers anywhere from two to 30 percent of the total purchase price back.

Fox made his remarks during an internet conference in Vegas this week. He also talked about Google’s focus on developing targeted ads throughout its services and about the challenges of making money off social networks.