Windows Mobile Map

Contrary to popular belief, Windows do not have a product that has specifically been released as a mobile map. Instead, their general search application includes map functions and this is the only mobile product that has such functionality from Microsoft.

There is plenty of confusion regarding the Windows mobile map software, as Microsoft has rebranded it so many times. Over recent years it has been known as Windows Live, MSN and Live Search and the Bing brand was only released in 2009. As stated above, it is marketed as a general search engine but includes extensive map facilities which definitely make it a major player in the mobile map industry.

Windows Mobile Map Compatibility

Something that will certainly distinguish this product from the competition is the amount of devices that the Bing product works on. Microsoft claims that practically all mobile phones will run the software, meaning that they have targeted the whole mobile market. The following are platforms that the application has been confirmed to function with:

Blackberry
iPhone
Windows Mobile Phones
Android
Any Java Enabled phone

Windows Mobile Map Features

The majority of the map functionality comes from the Bing Maps gadget. As the software is primarily a search engine, Bing does not include many of the satellite navigation functions that many other mobile map applications contain. However, it still benefits from an impressive array of features with users having access to the following:

Bing provides users with real time traffic conditions, which can then be displayed on the map.
Gives users a database of business reviews and then allows them to search for directions to specific establishments.
The application contains a speak to text function, allowing users to simply say a location rather than typing it.
Users can obtain audio directions.
When searching for a destination, users can sort the results by distance, review rating or category.

Windows Mobile Map Availability

There are two versions of the Windows mobile map available; the mobile website and the application. Practically every phone will be able to function with the mobile website and this can be located through m.bing.com. The application targets the newer phones that run on the modern platforms and users can download this version by accessing m.bing.com/download.

In a further bid to target as many users as possible, the Bing product is also completely free to download.

Windows Mobile Map Summary

In conclusion, it is clear to see that the Windows mobile map has been designed to target as many users as possible. As well as costing nothing to download, the application will also function on the majority of phones. While the software does not possess many advanced features such as satellite navigation functions, it does provide the user with an application that is extremely easy to use and will at least give basic map features. What’s more, many users will find the reviews database especially helpful and this should save a lot of time in locating various businesses.