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New Bing Maps comes to SA

Lauren Kate Rawlins
By Lauren Kate Rawlins, ITWeb digital and innovation contributor.
Johannesburg, 07 Jul 2015
Bing Maps will feature a side list of relevant information about the place searched for, as well as information about similar nearby places.
Bing Maps will feature a side list of relevant information about the place searched for, as well as information about similar nearby places.

Microsoft's Bing Maps Web mapping service has been redesigned based on feedback from users around the world.

"Users want a map experience that is fast and easy to use, and makes the most of the visually rich data that maps can bring to life," the company said in a blog post.

Bing Maps Preview is available in the US, UK, Canada, Australia, India, Indonesia, Malaysia and SA at the moment. The company says it will take more feedback from users to improve the service further.

The redesign features intuitive design, improved search and directions, and personalisation.

However, the online mapping tool comes up against stiff competition in SA. Swift Consulting CEO and tech blogger Liron Segev says: "Google Maps has the advantage because of Android; it comes preinstalled on most phones in South Africa. It is just going to get better and better, the more people use it and enter in their information. The only way Bing Maps would catch up is if there was a large uptake in Windows phones in South Africa."

Bing Maps Preview features include:

* Multiple destinations, with relevant information about the places, such as opening hours, displayed on the left side.
* Layout is 'touch-friendly'.
* Enhanced directions that predict if there will be traffic along the route according to day and time of travel.
* The ability to save favourite destinations, which will save to all devices.
* The ability to share travel plans and routes with others.

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