14 DAY TRIAL // Microsoft has launched an update to the free Bing application for iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad, adding a cool new feature called Streetside. The function is very similar to Google’s Streetview, in that it gives users a multi-street level panorama of a location so they can take a virtual walk through the streets.
According to the company behind the Windows operating system, Bing 2.0 for iOS allows users to quickly find the perfect restaurant based on their price range, cuisine, atmosphere, or location.
Users can easily find great movies by name, location, or theater, and employ the Plans feature to plan a night out, a dinner and a movie, or any event they want.
“See what plans your Facebook friends like and read their comments,” Microsoft reveals.
In fact, with Bing 2.0, iDevice owners can now check in to Facebook, Foursquare, and Windows Live Messenger without ever leaving the app.
What else?
The new version delivers more transit directions, including real-time transit updates for Boston, San Francisco and Seattle, with more cities to come.
The function shows users whether a bus is on time, early, or delayed, with predictions for arrival times.
Version 2.0 comes packing standard transit routes for 11 cities including Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, Minneapolis, New Jersey, New York City, Philadelphia, San Francisco, Seattle, Washington DC, and Vancouver BC.
More cities are on the way in future updates, according to Microsoft.
Probably the most important addition, however, is Streetside.
“Familiarize yourself with a location before you go, using Bing Streetside. Streetside, a new mapping feature, gives you a multi-street level panorama of a location so you can take a virtual walk through the streets with a view of a location and its landmarks,” the description goes.
“Slide the street level imagery sideways, and the view of the sidewalk is seamlessly constructed, including an overlay of business listings, street names and store fronts,” Microsoft explains.
Finally, the updated search app boasts reminders to get notifications, and improved homepage layout and design for easier navigation and discoverability.