14 DAY TRIAL // Microsoft has just announced that the Windows 8.1 Bing Smart Search feature has been updated with TripAdvisor data, which means that you can now use the operating system to book hotels and read ratings posted by the community.
Redmond says that the TripAdvisor app has been directly integrated into the Smart Search option, so you can easily find hotels by simply performing a search from the Start screen.
“By integrating directly into Bing Smart Search, the updated TripAdvisor app designed specifically for Windows 8 will now show up as a result for relevant searches. With just a single tap or click, you will now have instant access to all of the great travel-related content and tools TripAdvisor is known for,” Microsoft explained.
“When you use Bing Smart Search in Windows 8.1, content such as hotel ratings and reviews from within the TripAdvisor app are presented within results to give you an at-a-glance view of what’s available when you open the app itself.”
Of course, this feature clearly comes in handy for those who wish to make hotel reservations on the go, especially on Windows RT and Windows 8 tablets. Bing Smart Search is available on all Windows 8.1 devices, including desktops and tablets, and uses the power of Bing to look for information online and offline.
Using TripAdvisor data, users are now allowed to access the price comparison tools straight from the results page, while also being provided with reviews and photos.
If you’d like to try out the new feature for yourselves, simply go over to the Start screen and type “hotels in New York” to see how TripAdvisor’s data is integrated into the Bing search results.
Of course, Windows 8.1 integration is also offered, so you can use the search charm to quickly share content from TripAdvisor, such as flights and hotels.