New 3D views, and predictive query for voice input

Jan 9, 2009 14:14 GMT  ·  By

This week, Microsoft rolled out an update for Live Search Mobile for Windows Mobile, just as Chief Executive Officer Steve Ballmer announced that the company had inked a five-year search and advertising agreement with Verizon. The updated Live Search Mobile app for Windows Mobile brings to the table new features designed to enhance the end-user experience. In this regard, Microsoft indicated that those using Windows Mobile phones would find it much easier to locate businesses and also access maps and get the right directions via their devices.

“For starters, no more fumbling around with your phone trying to enter your exact location. Location detection helps you automatically find your location even if you're not on a GPS-enabled phone,” Jeremy Beasley, product manager, Live Search mobile, revealed.

“We also know that entering text on a mobile phone can be a pain. That's why we first introduced voice input in previous releases. With this release we've also added predictive query input to help speed up your searches. That's a fancy way of saying that after entering a few letters, you can browse through previous searches as well as some suggested ones.”

With the latest update to Live Search Mobile for Windows Mobile, Microsoft has streamlined the process of identifying a specific location on a map. Starting this week, the Redmond company's search engine app for Windows Mobile will feature the “Bird's Eye” option. With the additional perspective in the software giant's mapping platform, users will be able to access 3D views of various locations right on their mobile devices.

“Also, if you're not running the latest version of Windows Mobile, don't worry. We have you covered. We've built in support for Windows Mobile 5 phones, to make sure that you can use these new features as well,” Beasley added.