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Bing App for iPhone Released

Despite long-standing competition with iPhone manufacturer Apple Inc, Microsoft’s Windows Mobile has released an iPhone-friendly version of Bing, its search engine application. The program became available on the iPhone Apps Store on December 17th.

The program, which can be downloaded free, offers user-friendly features such as straight Web searches with search term suggestions. It also supports specialized queries like voice search, as well as varied content including maps, images, videos, and local businesses.

Bing is also designed to work with the iPhone’s GSP, which allows it to return local search results. Users can get search results tailored for their location, such as restaurants, banks, hotels or theaters, and even get driving or walking directions at the same time.

The mapping feature is powered by Seadragon, a zooming technology developed by Microsoft Live Labs in mid-2009. The program allows Bing to display large, high-res images in full detail and lets users zoom, pan, and swipe through maps with ease.

Other features included in the app are a daily image provided by Bing.com, a Tips and Tricks tool on the Bing home page, savable “push pin” destinations, multiple locations, and a “locate me” function that displays a user’s exact coordinates along with local data.

Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer said the company has decided to focus on developing apps for smartphones. This comes after the release of Windows Mobile 6.5, which was met with disappointing results. A follow-up, Windows Mobile 7.0, is expected in 2010.

Bing for iPhone is the latest in a string of mobile-friendly app released by Microsoft, following previous versions for Windows Mobile phones and Blackberries. The app works with iPhones and second-generation iPod Touches running on the iPhone OS 3.0 or newer.