Three Metro apps from the Bing Team: Finance, Maps and Weather

Mar 5, 2012 12:48 GMT  ·  By

The new Windows 8 Consumer Preview

release came with a number of Metro applications packed inside, three of which were Bing apps.

Microsoft unveiled the new operating system version last week in Barcelona, Spain, and has already made it available for download

For those who did not have the opportunity to download and install the new OS flavor, we should mention that it packs a variety of enhancements when compared to the Developer Preview flavor released in September last year.

For example, it came along with access to the Windows Store, the place where users will find Metro-style applications for their Windows 8 devices.

Moreover, it also packed the aforementioned Bing applications, namely Finance, Weather, and Maps.

The apps have been designed to be used on touch-enabled devices, but can be used with a keyboard and mouse as well.

“A key focus for us at Bing is helping people get things done more quickly and these visually organized, intuitive and dynamic apps do just that,” Brian MacDonald, corporate vice president, Bing Application Experiences Team, notes in a recent blog post.

“The Windows 8 Consumer Preview availability, along with the opening of the Windows Store, will make exciting new apps available to everyone. Bing is part of excitement with three new apps now available in the Windows Store so the excitement is buzzing for us over here on the Bing team as well.”

The Finance app in Windows 8 Consumer Preview was meant to provide users with fast access to a quick overview of key market indices through the live tile available on the Metro Start Screen. Through it, people can stay on top of fast-changing market conditions.

“Swipe or scroll through colorful charts for a quick read of the day’s events. Rich graphics also help you find the latest mortgage, auto and credit card rates,” the said blog post explains.

Through the Weather app, users will have access to info on current weather conditions, with hourly, daily and 10-day forecasts. The application was designed using the same Metro-style, and was packed with rich, engaging weather images.

As for the new Bing Maps application, it was meant to provide users with the possibility to find places much easier than before, while also offering them the possibility to get there faster.

“Quickly pinpoint the locations you care about, get directions, see traffic conditions and more— all with a few swipes or clicks,” Brian MacDonald from the Bing Team concludes.

Download Windows 8 Consumer Preview Build 8250

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Bing Apps in Windows 8 Consumer Preview
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