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TIM FAULKNER — Ask, the little search engine that couldn't, is trying to make a play at relevance with a major upgrade, but the improved interface, while appreciated, will make no difference in the ferocious battle for search engine marketshare. The upgrade, billed as Ask 3D — not because of the bubbly new logo and iPhone-like icons but because of its 3 pane interface, is essentially the prototype universal search, Ask X. And all of the major search engines have similar interface approaches as prototypes as well. Rolling out the new interface earlier than Google, Yahoo, and Microsoft may provide some attention (temporarily), but additional features (temporarily) will not shift loyal users to Barry Diller's Ask nor will it erase one of the most confusing and misguided advertising campaigns in internet history.