31 August 2010 | Author: D. Warburton Search Copywriter

Microsoft enters Android domain with Bing App

Microsoft is now offering its 'decision engine' Bing as a downloadable app for Verizon Wireless customers in Android Marketplace.

By releasing applications for rival smartphone platforms, such as Apple's iPhone and Google's Android, Microsoft is demonstrating its unique features that competitors do not offer, according to one tech writer.

Writing for the Bing Community blog, Andy Chu explained that the app includes popular features of Bing such as image search, maps, local business listings and voice search. However, according to Nick Bilton of NYTimes.com, Mr Chu was also keen to draw attention to features that Google does not currently offer.

"The app homepage features the Bing image of the day, complete with clickable hotspots that you can explore and discover related trivia," Mr Chu wrote.

"Our investment in voice search continues in our Android App and works great for searches like map locations as well as web search. This works especially well when looking for 'Instant answers' which give you quick and relevant answers for things like movies, stock quotes, flight status and local listings.

"Just say 'movies,' for a quick result of movie listings, theaters and show times nearby, or say the flight information you are looking for, we will show you the departure, arrival, and other relevant information such as traffic, weather, news, and hotels details."

This is not the first time Microsoft has encroached on the territory of its rivals, previously releasing the Bing App for iPhone users in 2009. A Microsoft representative told Tech Flash that Bing will be available on other mobile platforms and from other wireless carriers in the future, but no date was specified.

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