Redmond, Washington — Late last year, when Microsoft introduced a downloadable application for the iPhone from Apple, it set off some sensation in the tech world. Android owners who have been longing for a new mobile search option can now rejoice as the tech world was buzzing again with an announcement by Microsoft’s search group, Bing. The software maker on Monday announced the launch of its first “Bing for Mobile Android app” for Verizon customers. The app is available for download in the Android Marketplace on Verizon Android devices.
Unveiled Monday, Bing For Mobile closely resembles the Bing Web search experience on the smaller screen, with an “image of the day” smudging the backdrop, and a pop-up menu to search by images, movies, maps, news, or what is nearby for which the search engine is so popular. However, it is exclusive to Verizon for the time being, but Microsoft says it does plan to make it available to other carriers’ Android subscribers.
The move echoes an encroachment on Google’s turf, as the two companies compete directly on a number of search platforms.
In a company blog post, Andy Chu of Bing’s mobile group said that the application was available as a free download for Verizon Wireless customers in the Android Marketplace.
The Android version of app is bundled with the typical Bing offerings, including image search, movies, maps, and the touchable hot spots shrouded beneath the day’s image that reveal additional information about the photo du jour. Swiping backward loads previous images.
There is also an option for directions. A search field located atop, next to a voice search button. Bing for Android conceals your history, settings, and favorites in the phone’s hard-coded Menu button.
From the products Microsoft highlights in its announcement, it appears that the company is attempting to separate itself from Google by highlighting features that Google does not offer.
For example, Android users can search for images using the app’s infinite scrolling feature, said Chu, in Monday blog post. He also mentioned that the Bing application offers “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.”
To separate Bing from Google, Microsoft has been spending princely in technology that tries to anticipate what users are looking for when they search.
“Voice search is also an excellent feature when it comes to your local business listings,” says Bing’s Chu. “Give it a try, even something complex, hold the phone to your ear and speak, or press the mic button — its that simple.”
The app also supports voice search, which Android users are already familiar with through Google’s offerings.
In the Bing For Mobile Android app, when users searches for flight information, they are presented not only with departure and arrival times but also with links to traffic, weather, news, and hotels, according to Chu.
“The Android app also has a pretty smooth mapping feature,” adds Chu. “First, Bing will automatically find your current location. You can then easily discover new places by category such as restaurants, banks, theaters and you can choose whether you want walking or driving directions. Swipe through each step of your directions, and check out how fast the map pans and zooms. For times when you only have one hand free and cannot pinch, there is the handy zoom-out button.”
Other features of the app include local listing reviews, ratings, and news. “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,” Chu said in the blog post.