The beta version of the toolbar is available to download at . It looks almost identical to the , although it is currently only offered in US English, while Google offers it in languages including Welsh, German and Pig Latin. Google's toolbar launched in May 2003.
Along with the pop-up blocker and search feature, which includes highlighted search terms, users can access MSN Hotmail, MSN Messenger and MSNBC.com with one click.
Yusuf Mehdi, Microsoft corporate vice-president for MSN Personal Services, said: "By offering innovative services like the Highlight Viewer tool and seamless access to world-leading communication services like MSN Hotmail and MSN Messenger, we're helping people to be more efficient online."
Microsoft is reported to have approached the founders of Google about taking a stake in the company, only to be turned down. Google is widely tipped to be planning an IPO in April this year, selling a third of the company in a move that could be worth as much as $4bn (£2.2bn).
Separately, said today that it had signed a deal with the online DVD rental service Video Island to offer MSN DVD Rental within its entertainment channel, rivalling services such as .
If you have an opinion on this or any other issue raised on Brand Republic, join the debate in the .