option for the search service that recently went live. Basically users in the US are now provided with travel time and mileage data for their destination. This is based on the shortest route for two user-defined points on the map — very similar to how this data is displayed on Google Search. But that’s not even the half of it. Driving directions are also available on mobile platforms (iPhone, Android and Windows Phone) that makes Bing a fair bit more helpful when on the road. Microsoft explained this in a short blog post announcing these new feature:
“When you click on the map or the ‘turn by turn directions’ link, we’ll launch the Bing Maps experience where you will see a detailed set of turn-by-turn directions. Because we know directions are most useful when you’re on the go, we’ve enabled this mobile browser experience across the top smart phones including Windows Phone, iPhone and Android devices.”Good thing, then, that Windows Phone users are getting this feature the same time as other competing platforms, and Redmond did not reserve this for Windows Phone 8.1. No word from the company on when these features will be available users outside the United States, but logic points to this being the next step.]]>
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Do you get the travel times instantly through google if you search on your phone? I don’t think you do, so if that’s true, this is a huge advantage for Bing.
I like Bing. I really do. I just think it’s going to be insanely challenging to catch google. They seem ambitious, which I like, and this is a good first step, but they’re still ways away.
I am 100% going to be using this next time I need directions. It looks perfect and has everything I want when I need directions. Turn-by-turn, time, miles, and route. Bravo.
I always like Bing directions on my PC more than Google or Mapquest. There’s used to be more detailed that others(ie if you pass X street, you went too far). I’ve used Google, and it told me to make a turn, but it didn’t say what the name of the street was
I agree, Ray. I think the issue is that Bing doesn’t focus on their strengths enough in ad campaigns and just doesn’t have the brand recognition to keep up with the others at this point.