Microsoft's Bing! App now Available in the AppStore

[nickhesson]

Last week I mentioned that Microsoft was working on two new iPhone apps, Bing! being one of them. I'm not much of a Bing! user myself. Infact, I'll be honest, I have maybe used it a two ro three times. For some reason I just don't feel comfortable mixing Microsoft with my searching habits. Then again, Google isn't much better in that department.

Nonetheless, It's interesting news when a new Microsoft App rolls into the almighty Apple iTunes, and the surprise with this one, is that the app is actually pretty darn good at what it does. An official Bing app has been available for Windows phones, Blackberry and Sidekicks for awhile now, and the iPhone is no exception.

The app mimics the feel of Bing’s website, featuring an fresh new image each day along with some trivial information that appears when you hide the main menu. Of course, it uses your location to help determine nearby services and narrow down your search terms.

Much like Google's app, Bing! incorporates a Voice Control feature that allows you to perform regular web searches or look for complex directions, hands free. Another nice touch is the way they lay out the map, so if you can't pinch there is a nice zoom in and out button. The map loads rather quick as well ans is pretty damn smooth.

All I gotta say is that Microsoft is smart to get in on this market. I wonder what kind of marketing they'll do for it, if any.

“Make decisions and get where you need to go with Bing. See the Bing daily image and related trivia on the home screen. Search maps or the Web with your voice–even say an address. Use Image Search and flick through previews. Download Bing today to find stuff nearby and get there fast.”

Bing! iTunes Link



Hehehe and for a good chuckle at the irony of Microsoft apps in the AppSore. [Thanks Gary for this one]

[ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C5oGaZIKYvo[/ame]

[gotjpeg]

it's actually pretty cool

[Melech518]

Microsoft can shove it! Go make your own app store

[iLaw-One]

Downloading this minute...at least Apple has shown some sense in letting in the competition...Now let's thrash them (microsoft)...

[hollow0]

Why did that interviewer keep asking questions to compare the iPhone and Zune? They perform the same but one is strictly a music device while the other incorporates phone features... Also, how come ballmer mentioned that Apple sells 0 phones a year and microsoft sells millions? Did i misinterpret that statement? Cuz last time i recalled, Apple is in the history books for the most sold phone device upon launch...or am i wrong about that? O.O

In any case the Bing! app looks great. I'm not going to install it as i have already a similar app.

[boxxa]

Not a bad looking app. About time they got into the iPhone/iPod Appstore becuase it sure isn't going anywhere anytime soon.

[02589]

bing sucks

[leram84]

U guys r retarded... bing is amazing! what sucks is they only incorperated 1 (images) of the 3 best features of bing (images, iphone apps and VIDEOS)

bing's video search is the only round about way that anyone could ever compete with youtube. Can't beleive they left that out of this.

[tudtran]

It didn't get rejected? Is it fast?

[billchase2]

Another app I will not be downloading...

[rwin84]

useless to me...

[subywrex]

I am one person that is on the bing suck band wagon, but this app is actually realy good. It's extremely fast and love how it uses the phones location for resaults.

+1

[theguy1429]

Boooo!

[Luppin]

For some reason I just don't feel comfortable mixing Microsoft with my searching habits.

lolwut? That has to be the most immature reason to not use a search engine I have ever seen. LOL M$ ARE MEANIES, THEY'LL MESS UP MY SEARCH RESULTS

[Ichwohneinloche]

This is probably gonna be a safari replacement for me because its fast, its beautiful and it works. Not three adjectives I get to use very often with microsoft products. As for that guy in the video, he can suck on my nuts. Zune sucks, and Windows Mobile is even worse unless you let the people at HTC fix it up for you.

[awesomeSlayer]

I will wait for the other application.

[eternalza]

This is probably gonna be a safari replacement for me because its fast, its beautiful and it works. Not three adjectives I get to use very often with microsoft products. As for that guy in the video, he can suck on my nuts. Zune sucks, and Windows Mobile is even worse unless you let the people at HTC fix it up for you.

How does the Zune suck? It has an OLED screen, Tegra, and an incredibly beautiful UI for only $290.

[rhekt]

that CEO was giving CLASS A misdirection. you can misdirect any crowd with anything you want and make them believe it. weather that be for a few minutes or a lifetime. if you deliver that message with a smile, confident misdirected facts allways about other things [than the asked question] and straight flat out lie. people will believe you. the reason being is that he is only thinking about that interview at that time. its like a snake charmer, or a hypnotist. they are only interested in the moment. theyll deal with the future when that comes with more misdirected gray terminology.

as for bing, dont like it on my browser. doubt its any better on my iphone

[ifonemaniac]

I just got around to pickin this one up. I must say...its pretty sexy. I keep it as my main screen when I log in.. well unless i have a missed call or text

[thevmax]

BING is faster on the iphone than GOOGLE MAPS...
If you are using it for directions like I am then it's the one to have.