Bing Mobile Map
The technology battle between Microsoft and Google will no doubt last forever. However, despite their bitter rivalry, Microsoft have appeared reluctant to challenge their competitor in the mobile map market. While the company have included map features in their main search software, Microsoft have yet to release a standalone mobile map application. What’s more, there are no reports suggesting that the company are going to alter this approach.
Bing Mobile Map History
The history of Bing can appear quite confusing, with Microsoft rebranding the platform several times in recent years. Some users may know the search facility as MSN, while others may know it as Windows Live or Live Search. Even though there may be confusion regarding this, there can be no mistaking that Bing have become one of the leading search providers. However, while they have tried desperately to climb to the top of this market, Google have remained strong and you would have to wonder if this is one of the reasons behind Microsoft’s decision not to launch a standalone mobile map product to compete with them.
Bing Mobile Map Compatibility
Just like its main competitors, the application that contains Bing mobile map runs on practically all types of phones. Handsets such as the iPhone, Blackberry, Android and all Windows Mobile devices are compatible, while the majority of Java enabled phones will also support the software.
However, depending on the type of device, users will have different approaches of obtaining it. Those utilising older types of phone will have to access the mobile website at m.bing.com, while the majority of Smartphone users will be able to download the main application at m.bing.com/download.
Bing Mobile Map Features
It would be fair to say that Bing’s mobile map functionality is slightly lacking in comparison with various competitors. However, with Microsoft behind the application, it is certainly still advanced and holds an impressive array of features:
- Users can select to display up-to-date traffic conditions on the map image.
- Using Microsoft’s large database of customer reviews, users can search for local businesses and then read information on them.
- Users can request to receive audio directions to a destination.
- Once a user has established the local business they wish to locate, the software presents a button which allows them to quickly call the company.
Bing Mobile Map Summary
Considering the fact that Microsoft are one of the largest technology companies in the world, it seems surprising that they have not yet released a standalone mobile map application. Instead, it is their general search software that includes such functionality and while this possesses several impressive features, it would be fair to say that it trails many other free mobile map pieces of software. However, while it may not contain satellite navigational and other advanced functions, it still offers users a very solid mobile map application. It will provide extensive information on local businesses and with local traffic conditions also being displayed; it is still certainly an extremely competent piece of software.
