Microsoft has announced a series of updates to the latest version of its Live Search facility.The search engine now offers improved driving directions, increased bird's-eye and 3D imagery coverage for the US and an index of local content, which also includes that created by users.
Other new features consist of a number of geocoding updates for the Virtual Earth platform, as well as the release of the beta version of MapCruncher, which enables users to create their own map mash-ups.
In addition, Microsoft unveiled an array of enhancements to its mobile search service, including the launch of voice input and GPS facilities for Live Search for Windows Mobile.
Mobile users can also now take advantage of Live Search 411, a US directory service, and Live Search for BlackBerry devices, which can be downloaded for free from today.
"Collectively, these improvements build on the work we did in core relevance and differentiated vertical experiences," commented Satya Nadella of Microsoft.
"[They] are an important milestone in our efforts in delivering a comprehensive, innovative search offering that includes mobile, mapping, web and local services for customers to find what they need, when they need it, on any device."
Microsoft launched the most recent full version of Live Search in late September. The revised search engine offered new features such as a bigger index, a new web data extraction model and a number of core algorithm improvements.
