Microsoft Rolls Out New And Upgraded Bing Maps
Microsoft has released a new and improved Bing Maps packed with new features. The upgraded Bing Maps looks to become a formidable competition with against Google Maps. A preview version is currently available for those interested in trying the service.
Bing discusses the new service on their official blog. The new service allows several new features including one where users are allowed to search, view and share several places simultaneously. In addition, users are can now see photos and reviews from websites such as Yelp. The new Bing Map also makes planning travels easier as users can now gain access to information and visuals on locations.
It features a new design that shows information on destinations using the result cards that appear on the left side of the screen. Several cards can be seen at once, with each one showing information regarding the destination.
The new Bing Maps also improved on its search and GPS capabilities, with the routing taking into account the current traffic during periods of the day to approximately calculate travel time. The new Bing Maps also improved upon its search and directions capabilities, with predictive routing taking into account traffic during certain periods of the day to calculate travel time. A new Along the Route feature will suggest locations to stop over during planned trips. The suggestions will range from restaurants to gas stations. Bing Maps also has a split-screen layout which gives users a street-side view of a destination with the map and directions below it.
Bing Maps has also been redesigned to allow more options for personalization. The My Places feature allows users to save their favorite locations and sync it with Windows Maps and Cortana. Users can also share their travel plans with other people on Bing Maps.
Microsoft also said that users should stay tuned for upcoming updates to the mobile version of Bing Maps.
For now, the new Bing Maps is only available within the United States, Canda, United Kingdom, Australia, Indonesia, India, South Africa and Malaysia.
