Engadget http://www.engadget.com Engadget http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.engadget.com/media/feedlogo.gif Engadget http://www.engadget.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Nokia has its wicked way with Bing Maps, stork delivers traffic advice and geocoding]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/25/nokia-traffic-comes-to-bing-maps/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/25/nokia-traffic-comes-to-bing-maps/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/25/nokia-traffic-comes-to-bing-maps/#comments Nokia has its wicked way with Bing Maps, stork delivers traffic advice and geocoding

We already knew that Nokia had been running its fingers through Bing's map-like hair, marking it with its scent, now it's added a little lipstick to its collar. The latest addition to the Microsoft-mapping service now uses Nokia's live traffic and geocoding algorithms. This brings the functionality of Nokia's "Where" platform over to 24 nations (including the US, UK and Canada) of Bing users. Best of all for American maps that info also covers side streets. Good to see the Nokia / Microsoft collaboration yielding ever more fruits, let's just hope they're considering the bigger picture, too.

Nokia has its wicked way with Bing Maps, stork delivers traffic advice and geocoding originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 25 May 2012 09:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bingbing mapsBingMapsgeocodinglive trafficLiveTrafficmicrosoftmobilepostmininokianokia mapsnokia trafficnokia whereNokiaMapsNokiaTrafficNokiaWhereFri, 25 May 2012 09:46:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft takes Bing Streetside offline in Germany, privacy complaints to blame]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/23/microsoft-takes-bing-streetside-offline-in-germany/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/23/microsoft-takes-bing-streetside-offline-in-germany/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/23/microsoft-takes-bing-streetside-offline-in-germany/#comments Microsoft takes Bing Streetside offline in Germany, privacy complaints to blame

Germany is notoriously privacy-minded, and services like Facebook's Friend Finder and Google's Street View have come under scrutiny in the country's courts. The latest offender to raise Germany's ire is Bing Streetside, a Street View-style photo service. Microsoft took the feature offline in the country following complaints about how Streetside displays private homes. By default, houses are visible, though Microsoft conceals the images if users submit a complaint. Still, citizens were apparently unhappy with this process, which prompted the company to axe the service while it addresses those privacy concerns. There's always Street View if you need your fix of blurred-out Berlin buildings in the meantime.

Microsoft takes Bing Streetside offline in Germany, privacy complaints to blame originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 23 May 2012 22:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Bingbing streetsideBingStreetsidegermanygoogle street viewGoogleStreetViewMicrosoftprivacyprivacy issuesPrivacyIssuesstreet photosStreetPhotosWed, 23 May 2012 22:49:00 EST<![CDATA[Bing gets big remake with Snapshot, social sidebar, dig at Google (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/10/bing-gets-big-remake-with-snapshot-and-social-sidebar/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/10/bing-gets-big-remake-with-snapshot-and-social-sidebar/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/10/bing-gets-big-remake-with-snapshot-and-social-sidebar/#comments Image

Microsoft's determination to ratchet up the search engine wars just got clearer with a major rethink of Bing that includes a few potshots at Google. While the search results themselves are still prominent, there's now a Snapshot area in the middle that aggregates the common tasks linked to your search, such as booking a hotel room. Bing hasn't avoided the siren's call of putting social networking into search results, putting in both search hits as well as the option of asking friends, but has tucked the results into a social sidebar at the far right. Not surprisingly, Microsoft has already declared it a far better alternative to Google+ in-line results, which it sees "cluttering your results with social updates." You'll currently have to use a desktop web browser to see all the new Bingness, although Microsoft is promising a mobile-friendly update within weeks.

Continue reading Bing gets big remake with Snapshot, social sidebar, dig at Google (video)

Bing gets big remake with Snapshot, social sidebar, dig at Google (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 10 May 2012 14:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Binggooglegoogle plusGooglePlusMicrosoftmicrosoft bingMicrosoftBingsearchsearch enginesearch enginesSearchEngineSearchEnginessidebarsocialsocial networksocial networkingSocialNetworkSocialNetworkingvideoThu, 10 May 2012 14:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft updates Bing Translator for Windows Phone with offline features (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/17/microsoft-updates-bing-translator-for-windows-phone/http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/17/microsoft-updates-bing-translator-for-windows-phone/http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/17/microsoft-updates-bing-translator-for-windows-phone/#comments Image

Never again will Windows Phone owners worry about ordering raw beef in Spain without first knowing what'll arrive on their plate. That's because the crew at Microsoft have updated the Bing Translator app, which is available for free in the Marketplace. It now allows users to point their cameras at otherwise unintelligible text and then view a proper translation as an overlay on the photograph. As another nifty trick, Bing Translate allows users to speak phrases into their phone, which will then be audibly translated into a foreign language of choice. Most impressive, however, is the app's new offline capabilities, which can be enabled with the simple download of a language pack. Bing Translator supports English, Spanish, German, French, Italian and Chinese Simplified, and if you'd like a peek into its functionality, just hop the break for the video.

Continue reading Microsoft updates Bing Translator for Windows Phone with offline features (video)

Microsoft updates Bing Translator for Windows Phone with offline features (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 17 Apr 2012 01:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appappsbingbing translatorBingTranslatormicrosoftmobilepostcrosstranslatetranslationtranslatorvideowindows phoneWindowsPhoneTue, 17 Apr 2012 01:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft adds new feature to Bing, wants you to stay Linked (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/23/microsoft-adds-linked-pages-feature-to-bing/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/23/microsoft-adds-linked-pages-feature-to-bing/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/23/microsoft-adds-linked-pages-feature-to-bing/#comments
Looks like Microsoft isn't done flipping the switch on fresh bits within its beloved search engine. The new feature, dubbed Linked Pages, can "decide how you look to your first crush" by allowing you to select which results are actually related to you. If you're bent on making it easier for people to stalk you, then all you need to do is pop in your Facebook credentials and allow the Bing app to do its magic once it's accessed your account. The Redmond folks say you'll be able to link anything from a blog, personal site, organizations or your friends (just make sure to ask first). Unfortunately those of you outside of the States looking to Bing yourself are out of luck for now. In the meantime, head past the break to check out a full-on tutorial courtesy of The Bing Team.

Continue reading Microsoft adds new feature to Bing, wants you to stay Linked (video)

Microsoft adds new feature to Bing, wants you to stay Linked (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 23 Feb 2012 10:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bingbing linkedbing linked pagesBingLinkedBingLinkedPageslinkedlinked pagesLinkedPagesmicrosoftmicrosoft bingmicrosoft linkedmicrosoft linked pagesMicrosoftBingMicrosoftLinkedMicrosoftLinkedPagesminipostsearchsearch engineSearchEnginevideoThu, 23 Feb 2012 10:19:00 EST<![CDATA[Bing's two new 'death to print, death to retail' features get detailed]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/21/bing-vision-image-matching-newspapers/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/21/bing-vision-image-matching-newspapers/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/21/bing-vision-image-matching-newspapers/#comments Bing's two new 'death to print, death to retail' features get detailed
Ever felt like Bing wasn't for retail stores or print journalism? The two latest Windows Phone updates won't dispel that fantasy, sadly. Bing Vision been update so it can read Barcodes, CD, DVD and Book Covers so you can find out how much cheaper the item in your hand is if ordered online. Image Matching for Newspapers won't arrive until March, but you'll be able to snap a photo of an article you've seen in a local rag and, if its in Microsoft's database, you'll be linked directly to the original version of the article online. That's brick and mortar retail and newspapers taken care of, we'll be waiting around to see what's next on Bing's hit-list -- orphanages, probably.

Bing's two new 'death to print, death to retail' features get detailed originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 21 Feb 2012 14:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Amazon FlowAmazonFlowBingBing VisionBingVisionImage Matching for NewspapersImageMatchingForNewspapersmobilepostminiNokiaWindows Phone 7WindowsPhone7Tue, 21 Feb 2012 14:16:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft adding Nokia branding to Bing Maps]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/19/microsoft-adding-nokia-branding-to-bing-maps/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/19/microsoft-adding-nokia-branding-to-bing-maps/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/19/microsoft-adding-nokia-branding-to-bing-maps/#comments Noki-soft? Micro-ia? The madness continues! Nokia front-man Stephen Elop let it be known that his company's moniker will be making its way to Bing Maps in the near future, and he's not just talking about on the desktop. During a CES interview with Pocket-lint, Elop explained that any "property" utilizing Microsoft's Bing Maps service -- including mobile platforms -- will be co-branded with the Nokia logo. "We are clearly placing a bet on the Windows Phone platform; they [Microsoft] are placing a bet on our location-based platform," he said. The CEO cited BlackBerry as a non-Windows Phone device that will see the Nokia tattoo in its Maps app -- RIM recently announced its intention to integrate Bing Maps at the OS level. No word on when Microsoft branding will make its way onto Nokia software... oh, wait a minute...

Microsoft adding Nokia branding to Bing Maps originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 19 Jan 2012 15:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bingbing mapsBingMapsBlackBerrybrandingCEOdriveelopInterviewmapsmicrosoftmobilepostcrossnavigationnokiaResearch In MotionResearchInMotionRIMsteven elopStevenElopThu, 19 Jan 2012 15:09:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft tops Yahoo in US search results for first time, according to ComScore]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/11/microsoft-tops-yahoo-in-us-search-results-for-first-time-accord/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/11/microsoft-tops-yahoo-in-us-search-results-for-first-time-accord/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/11/microsoft-tops-yahoo-in-us-search-results-for-first-time-accord/#comments It very nearly caught up to Yahoo in the last round of ComScore figures, and Microsoft has now finally done it -- it can officially claim to be the number two search engine in the US. According to the research firm, Microsoft's Bing search engine and other websites fielded a total of 2.75 billion search requests in December of 2011, compared to 2.65 billion search requests handled by Yahoo -- translating to a market share of 15.1 percent and 14.5 percent, respectively. As you'd expect, that still leaves Microsoft far behind Google, which processed a whopping 12 billion search requests during the month, representing a still-dominant market share of 65.9 percent. Hit the source link below for all the numbers.

Microsoft tops Yahoo in US search results for first time, according to ComScore originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 11 Jan 2012 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bingcomscoregoogleinternetmarket shareMarketSharemicrosoftsearchsearch enginesearch enginessearch resultsSearchEngineSearchEnginesSearchResultsyahooWed, 11 Jan 2012 19:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Ask Ziggy: the Windows Phone 7 counter to Apple's Siri (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/02/ask-ziggy-windows-phone-7-counter-to-siri-video/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/02/ask-ziggy-windows-phone-7-counter-to-siri-video/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/02/ask-ziggy-windows-phone-7-counter-to-siri-video/#comments Ask Ziggy has actually been on the Windows Store for right around a fortnight, but there's an updated version hitting soon that brings an astounding amount of Siri-ness to Microsoft's own Windows Phone 7 platform. Developed by Shai Leib, the app is a free (and even ad-free) program that can "translate human speech into transcribed text." According to Leib, the text is then "analyzed for patterns to detect commands or general queries, while commands are interpreted and routed to routine phone tasks such as emailing, texting, calling, social network updates, and getting directions." If you're asking a more generic question, the app uses a hodgepodge of technologies and web searches to find the answer, and we're told that "several passes may be required to find a concise answer." Still, what's shown on the video just past the break is impressive -- particularly for a gratis app from a single Earthling -- and you can expect the latest edition to pop up in the Store within the next couple of days. Just don't ask it if it's hot for Siri, okay?

[Thanks, Alex]

Continue reading Ask Ziggy: the Windows Phone 7 counter to Apple's Siri (video)

Ask Ziggy: the Windows Phone 7 counter to Apple's Siri (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 02 Jan 2012 18:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ask ziggyAskZiggybingbing voiceBingVoicemicrosoftmobilepostcrosssearchshai leibShaiLeibsirispeech to textSpeechToTextvideovoicevoice searchVoiceSearchwindows phonewindows phone 7WindowsPhoneWindowsPhone7wp7Mon, 02 Jan 2012 18:46:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft's CES 2012 keynote won't deliver 'significant news,' more of 'a wrap-up']]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/21/microsofts-ces-2012-keynote-wont-deliver-significant-news-m/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/21/microsofts-ces-2012-keynote-wont-deliver-significant-news-m/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/21/microsofts-ces-2012-keynote-wont-deliver-significant-news-m/#comments After learning of Microsoft's plans to stop holding CES keynotes following the 2012 edition, the immediate attention turned to this: would it use its last opportunity on the main stage to make a lasting impact? Evidently, that answer is "no." We've confirmed with the company that Steve Ballmer will be "focusing quite a bit on Windows Phone and the its Xbox / entertainment story," while also sharing "momentum from across the company for Windows, Office, Bing, etc." Ultimately, we're told that there "won't be significant news, but more of a wrap up of the strong year the company has had in consumer." We've got a call out for further clarifications (as well as questions on whether or not another BUILD, MIX or some other spinoff event will take the theoretical place of CES), and we'll be sure to update as we learn more.

Update: While Microsoft can't confirm specifics, we're getting the impression that the company's partners will be the ones leading and driving announcements in the CES events to come. And while it wouldn't comment specifically on the future of MIX or BUILD, we're told that "it will continue to invest in those kinds of owned venues going forward."

Update 2: The CEA, also known as the entity that puts CES together, has officially responded to the news. It also affirmed that Microsoft will not reserve the massive Central Hall exhibit space that it has used in past years, but it seems pretty unconcerned about the whole ordeal. The full statement is after the break.

Continue reading Microsoft's CES 2012 keynote won't deliver 'significant news,' more of 'a wrap-up'

Microsoft's CES 2012 keynote won't deliver 'significant news,' more of 'a wrap-up' originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 21 Dec 2011 12:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bingbreaking newsceacesces 2012Ces2012consumer electronics showConsumerElectronicsShowmicrosoftofficesteve ballmerSteveBallmerxboxxbox 360Xbox360zuneWed, 21 Dec 2011 12:56:00 EST<![CDATA[Bing almost catches up with Yahoo! in latest ComScore US figures]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/19/bing-almost-catches-up-with-yahoo-in-latest-comscore-us-figures/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/19/bing-almost-catches-up-with-yahoo-in-latest-comscore-us-figures/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/19/bing-almost-catches-up-with-yahoo-in-latest-comscore-us-figures/#comments Bing already claimed its title as the world's second favorite search engine, but in the US it has continued to lag in third place behind Yahoo!. The gap is closing rapidly, however, with ComScore's latest stats revealing a 15.0 percent share for Redmond versus Yahoo!'s 15.1 percent. What's more, those figures don't reflect mobile search, which must surely be a growth area for Bing as Windows Phone gathers American followers. Meanwhile, Ask Network remains static in fourth place and AOL (Engadget's parent company) comes a distant fifth -- although it did show a little growth spurt between October and November, taking 1.6 percent of the 17.8 billion recorded searches and pretending not to notice Google way up there on top. Full ranking after the break.

Continue reading Bing almost catches up with Yahoo! in latest ComScore US figures

Bing almost catches up with Yahoo! in latest ComScore US figures originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 19 Dec 2011 13:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AmericaAOLAsk NetworkAskNetworkBingComScorefiguresGoogleMicrosoftMicrosoft BingMicrosoftBingNorth AmericaNorthAmericarankingsearchsearch enginesearch figuressearch shareSearchEngineSearchFiguresSearchSharestatisticsUSUSAYahooMon, 19 Dec 2011 13:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft takes the wraps off of So.cl, a search-based social network for students]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/15/microsoft-takes-the-wraps-off-of-so-cl-a-search-based-social-ne/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/15/microsoft-takes-the-wraps-off-of-so-cl-a-search-based-social-ne/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/15/microsoft-takes-the-wraps-off-of-so-cl-a-search-based-social-ne/#comments So.co A few months back we got a quick sneak peek at Microsoft's social experiment which was, at the time, called Tulalip. Now it's finally gone official and scored an even harder to pronounce name So.cl. The basic premise is this: you sign up and search for stuff (using Bing, naturally) and your queries are automatically shared with your friends. From there things get even stranger. The Video Party feature lets users group chat while watching the same clip online, but there's no video chat. You also can't upload photos, but you can make a "montage" of images collected from around the web. To kick start what Microsoft sees as less of a social and more of a learning network, the company has partnered with NYU, Syracuse and the University of Washington. Hit up the source link for more details and to add your name to the waiting list -- for now Redmond's social search toy is in a limited beta.

Microsoft takes the wraps off of So.cl, a search-based social network for students originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 15 Dec 2011 18:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bingmicrosoftso.clsocialsocial networkSocialNetworksocltulalipThu, 15 Dec 2011 18:52:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft launches ExcelMashup.com, looks to make spreadsheets both hip and exciting]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/10/microsoft-launches-excelmashup-com-looks-to-make-spreadsheets-b/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/10/microsoft-launches-excelmashup-com-looks-to-make-spreadsheets-b/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/10/microsoft-launches-excelmashup-com-looks-to-make-spreadsheets-b/#comments
Most of our day jobs aren't nearly as amusing as life at Wernham Hogg and Excel doesn't make things any more exciting. But, if you're looking to spice up your spreadsheets, Microsoft's ExcelMashup.com may be just what you've been waiting for. The site lets you create apps of your very own using Redmond's various products. For example, you can combine some Excel JavaScript, a workbook stored on SkyDrive and a little HTML to create apps that run in a browser. Add a dash of Bing Maps and you've got a Destination Explorer! For the uninitiated, there are tutorials and for the showoffs a shared code space. There's even nifty Interactive Code Snippets for trying out bits of script before adding them to your own project. Want to make the cute girl in reception notice you? Coding your own apps in Excel won't help, but it'll probably land you in less trouble than putting Gareth's stapler in Jello again.

Microsoft launches ExcelMashup.com, looks to make spreadsheets both hip and exciting originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 10 Dec 2011 13:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BingBing MapsBingMapsDestination ExplorerDestinationExplorerExcelExcelMashupExcelMashup.comInteractive Code SnippetsInteractiveCodeSnippetsMicrosoftSkyDriveworkbookSat, 10 Dec 2011 13:37:00 EST<![CDATA[Xbox 360 Dashboard update review (fall 2011)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/05/xbox-360-dashboard-update-fall-2011-review/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/05/xbox-360-dashboard-update-fall-2011-review/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/05/xbox-360-dashboard-update-fall-2011-review/#comments Kiss that old "New Xbox Experience" goodbye -- the Xbox Dashboard just went full Metro. Microsoft teased the console's latest overhaul back at E3, promising to "change living room entertainment forever." The following months saw leaks, previews and betas, all leading up to today, the eve of the Xbox 360's Fall Dashboard update. Is the new dash the game-changer it hopes to be? Hit the break, and we'll find out together.

Gallery: Xbox Live 2011 Fall Dashboard update

Continue reading Xbox 360 Dashboard update review (fall 2011)

Xbox 360 Dashboard update review (fall 2011) originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 05 Dec 2011 00:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appsBingbing controlbing searchBingControlBingSearchdashboarddashboard updateDashboardUpdateengadget awardsengadget awards 2011EngadgetAwardsEngadgetAwards2011Facebookfall dashboard updatefall dashboard update 2011FallDashboardUpdateFallDashboardUpdate2011gaminghdpostcrossHuluimpressionskinectkinect voiceKinectVoiceMetroMetro UIMetroUiMicrMicrosoftMicrosoft Windowsmicrosoft xbox 360MicrosoftXbox360netflixnetflix appNetflixAppreviewSci/Techvoice controlVoiceControlWindows MobilexboxXbox 360Xbox 360 ControllerXbox LiveXbox360ZuneMon, 05 Dec 2011 00:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Chanel counterfeiters beware: US federal court orders domain names seized and de-indexed]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/29/chanel-counterfeiters-beware-us-federal-court-orders-domain-nam/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/29/chanel-counterfeiters-beware-us-federal-court-orders-domain-nam/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/29/chanel-counterfeiters-beware-us-federal-court-orders-domain-nam/#comments We're well versed in the art of the gadget KIRF 'round these parts, but counterfeiting's a problem faced by the fashion world, too. Chanel filed suit in federal court to stop hundreds of websites from selling KIRFs of its gear, and the judge recently ordered the seizure and transfer of those domain names to GoDaddy to hold in trust until the case is resolved. It was also decreed that they be stricken from the indices of search engines and social media -- including, but not limited to Bing, Google, Facebook, and Twitter. So it seems the federal courts have obtained the ability to order that legal remedy (the de-indexing) be given by companies not party to a lawsuit (Google, et al), though we know of no law granting it such powers. Of course, we can't know for sure until one of the accused copycat sites decides to lawyer up and fight back. Until then, fashion KIRFs beware: the feds can apparently wipe every trace of you from the internet.

Chanel counterfeiters beware: US federal court orders domain names seized and de-indexed originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 29 Nov 2011 20:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>apparelbingchanelcounterfeitdomain namedomain namesdomain seizureDomainNameDomainNamesDomainSeizurefacebookfashionfederal courtFederalCourtgodaddygoogleinjunctionjudgelawsuitlegallitigationtemporary restraining orderTemporaryRestrainingOrdertrotwitterus federal courtUsFederalCourtweb domainWebDomainTue, 29 Nov 2011 20:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Bing brings the holiday gold, offers free Xbox Live preview for Thanksgiving weekend]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/24/bing-brings-the-holiday-gold-offers-free-xbox-live-preview-for/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/24/bing-brings-the-holiday-gold-offers-free-xbox-live-preview-for/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/24/bing-brings-the-holiday-gold-offers-free-xbox-live-preview-for/#comments Need something to do while your loved ones slave over hot stoves and turkey platters? Microsoft and Bing have got your back, offering gamers another free Xbox Live Gold weekend to help you frag your way through the holiday. Of course, if you're feeling too sedentary to twitch your thumbs, you can always veg out with your Netflix queue or use the console's ESPN app to get your traditional Thanksgiving sports fix. Either way, you're golden until the 27th -- after that, you'll need to pony up and subscribe. Don't have an Xbox 360, you say? We hear there are some deals floating around that might help you fix that.

Bing brings the holiday gold, offers free Xbox Live preview for Thanksgiving weekend originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 24 Nov 2011 20:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bingESPNESPN3freefree xbox weekendFreeXboxWeekendMicrosoftMicrosoft Xbox 360MicrosoftXbox360minipostNetflixNetflix IncthanksgivingXboxxbox 360Xbox Livexbox live goldxbox live gold previewxbox live gold weekendXbox360XboxLiveXboxLiveGoldXboxLiveGoldPreviewXboxLiveGoldWeekendThu, 24 Nov 2011 20:32:00 EST<![CDATA[Siri may pose 'competitive threat' to Google, Eric Schmidt tells Senate subcommittee]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/07/siri-may-pose-competitive-threat-to-google-eric-schmidt-tells/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/07/siri-may-pose-competitive-threat-to-google-eric-schmidt-tells/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/07/siri-may-pose-competitive-threat-to-google-eric-schmidt-tells/#comments
Back in September, Google chairman and former CEO Eric Schmidt sat down before a Senate antitrust subcommittee to discuss his company's competitive practices. As you would expect from anyone in his situation, Schmidt spent much of his time defending Mountain View's position atop the search industry, and cited several competitors as evidence of its fair play. The exec's list of "threats" featured some of the usual suspects, including Bing, Yahoo and Amazon, as well as Siri. "Even in the few weeks since the hearing, Apple has launched an entirely new approach to search technology with Siri, its voice-activated search and task-completion service built into the iPhone 4S," he wrote, pointing to a handful of publications that characterized Apple's voice assistant as a "Google Killer" and Cupertino's "entry point" into the search market. "Apple's Siri is a significant development -- a voice-activated means of accessing answers through iPhones that demonstrates the innovations in search," Schmidt explained. "Google has many strong competitors and we sometimes fail to anticipate the competitive threat posed by new methods of accessing information." Granted, it's not terribly surprising to hear Google talk up its competition -- especially before a panel of politicians devoted to rooting out anti-competitive practices. Yet Schmidt's comments do mark a noticeable shift from the stance he assumed last year, when he denied that Apple and Facebook posed a "competitive threat" to Google's search operations. As he admitted, "My statement was clearly wrong." Check out the full hearing at the source link below.

Siri may pose 'competitive threat' to Google, Eric Schmidt tells Senate subcommittee originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 07 Nov 2011 10:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amazonantitrustapplebingbusinesseric schmidtEricSchmidtfacebookgoogleindustryiPhone 4sIphone4spoliticssearchsearch enginesSearchEnginessenatesirisocial networkingSocialNetworkingsubcommitteevoicevoice assistantVoiceAssistantyahooMon, 07 Nov 2011 10:23:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft releases Bing app for Android, iOS, not Windows Phone 7]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/04/microsoft-releases-bing-app-for-android-ios-not-windows-phone/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/04/microsoft-releases-bing-app-for-android-ios-not-windows-phone/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/04/microsoft-releases-bing-app-for-android-ios-not-windows-phone/#comments In a move that can be simultaneously described as puzzling and pragmatic, Microsoft has decided to bring its Bing for Mobile app to Android and iOS before launching it on its very own Windows Phone platform. The company announced the release in a blog post this week, highlighting the app's most noteworthy features, including a revamped maps module, a new deals service and real-time transit feeds. Interestingly enough, Redmond also based its app on HTML5, rather than Silverlight, in the hopes of providing greater continuity across mobile browser and app interfaces. Only at the very end of the post did Microsoft mention Windows Phone 7: "We're working to release the same consistent experience for RIM and Windows Phone 7 devices in the future, and will share more details as they become available." At first glance, this decision may seem somewhat counterintuitive, but it also makes a lot of sense, considering the fact that Android and iOS comprise the bulk of the consumer market (and, of course, the fact that Bing is already integrated within Windows Phone 7). It appears, then, that Microsoft is simply trying to get Bing out to the widest initial audience, which seems pretty logical. Android and iOS users can grab the app now, at the coverage links below.

Microsoft releases Bing app for Android, iOS, not Windows Phone 7 originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 04 Nov 2011 04:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidandroid marketAndroidMarketappapplicationbingblackberryHTML5iosiphoneitunesmicrosoftmobilepostcrossoperating systemOperatingSystemOSRIMsearchsilverlightsmartphonewindows phonewindows phone 7WindowsPhoneWindowsPhone7wp7Fri, 04 Nov 2011 04:52:00 EST<![CDATA[Xbox Companion app for WP7 shown off at Nokia World, leaks Vudu integration (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/28/xbox-companion-app-for-wp7-shown-off-at-nokia-world-leaks-vudu/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/28/xbox-companion-app-for-wp7-shown-off-at-nokia-world-leaks-vudu/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/28/xbox-companion-app-for-wp7-shown-off-at-nokia-world-leaks-vudu/#comments Even if you're not planning on picking up one of Espoo's latest handsets, Microsoft is also on the scene at Nokia World 2011 giving live demos of the upcoming Xbox Companion remote app for Windows Phone 7. It allows for simple remote control of video playback on one's console, plus content browsing / search with Bing and other metadata display, as seen in two demo videos from the show floor embedded after the break. Also seen in both of the demo videos? An orange tile suspiciously labeled Vudu Movies, despite the lack of any official announcement that the (currently PS3 exclusive) Wal-mart owned service is coming to Xbox Live. A third demo shows off gaming integration with Kinectimals that lets animals jump back and forth from console to phone. Now that the Xbox 360 will integrate search and playback from more video services than ever after the fall update, we'll see if the remote app draws Xbox fans to Microsoft's phone platform.

[Thanks, @AttilaG]

Continue reading Xbox Companion app for WP7 shown off at Nokia World, leaks Vudu integration (video)

Xbox Companion app for WP7 shown off at Nokia World, leaks Vudu integration (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 28 Oct 2011 12:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appbinghdpostcrosskinectmangomicrosoftmobilepostcrossnokianokia worldnokia world 2011NokiaWorldNokiaWorld2011remote appremote controlremote control appRemoteAppRemoteControlRemoteControlAppsearchvideovuduwindows phonewindows phone 7WindowsPhoneWindowsPhone7xbox 360xbox 360 remotexbox companionxbox companion appxbox livexbox remoteXbox360Xbox360RemoteXboxCompanionXboxCompanionAppXboxLiveXboxRemoteFri, 28 Oct 2011 12:13:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft reveals new TV providers including Verizon and Comcast coming to Xbox 360 (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/05/microsoft-reveals-new-tv-providers-on-xbox-360-in-the-us-and-int/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/05/microsoft-reveals-new-tv-providers-on-xbox-360-in-the-us-and-int/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/05/microsoft-reveals-new-tv-providers-on-xbox-360-in-the-us-and-int/#comments Just as the rumors indicated, Microsoft is bringing video from a number of providers beyond the ones it initially announced to the Xbox 360 in its fall update, including big guns like Verizon and Comcast. While Verizon is promising "a selection" of its live TV channels on the Xbox 360 as expected, Comcast is only bringing its Xfinity TV video on-demand offerings (no AnyPlay powered live TV -- yet) to subscribers when it launches "in the coming months." Other notable providers include Lovefilm (UK, Germany), BBC TV (UK), HBO Go, and Syfy. As promised during E3, the services integrated with Xbox will offer support for search across all available video, as well as support for Kinect voice and gesture controls. The universal search is looking good since it pulls together various services into one UI (as we discussed on our podcast yesterday), but the reality is content providers and geographical limits on what services you can pick from are still throwing up walls between users and content. Check after the break for PR detailing what you'll be able to access and where, as well as a video intro to all the tasty new TV services.

Gallery: Xbox 360 TV integration

Continue reading Microsoft reveals new TV providers including Verizon and Comcast coming to Xbox 360 (video)

Microsoft reveals new TV providers including Verizon and Comcast coming to Xbox 360 (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 05 Oct 2011 12:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bbcbingbreaking newscomcastdashboard updateDashboardUpdatefall dashboard updatefall dashboard update 2011FallDashboardUpdateFallDashboardUpdate2011fios tvFiosTvgesture controlGestureControlhbo goHboGohdpostcrossiptvlovefilmmicrosoftsocialtvverizon fiosVerizonFiosverzionvideovideo streamingVideoStreamingvoice controlVoiceControlxboxxbox 360xbox livexbox live tvXbox360XboxLiveXboxLiveTvxfinityxfinity tvxfinity vodXfinityTvXfinityVodWed, 05 Oct 2011 12:39:00 EST<![CDATA[Xbox Live Fall 2011 Dashboard update preview: Bing search, voice control, and a Metro overhaul]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/09/xbox-live-fall-2011-dashboard-update-preview-bing-search-voice/http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/09/xbox-live-fall-2011-dashboard-update-preview-bing-search-voice/http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/09/xbox-live-fall-2011-dashboard-update-preview-bing-search-voice/#comments Autumn is fast approaching -- and you know what that means: it's round about time for an Xbox Dashboard update. Sure, we got a peek of Microsoft's upcoming harvest back at E3, but the good folks from Redmond invited us to take a closer look at what they're calling the "most significant update to the Dashboard since NXE." Senior project Manager Terry Ferrell was on-site to walk us through an early engineering beta and show us how an updated Metro UI, Bing search and deeper Kinect integration is going to change the way folks manage their entertainment content.

Continue reading Xbox Live Fall 2011 Dashboard update preview: Bing search, voice control, and a Metro overhaul

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Xbox Live Fall 2011 Dashboard update preview: Bing search, voice control, and a Metro overhaul originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 09 Sep 2011 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Bingbing searchBingSearchdashboarddashboard updateDashboardUpdateFacebookfall dashboard updatefall dashboard update 2011FallDashboardUpdateFallDashboardUpdate2011gaminghdpostcrossimpressionskinectMetroMetro UIMetroUiMicrosoftmicrosoft kinectMicrosoft WindowsMicrosoftKinectMinority ReportnatalpreviewStar Trekvideo gamesVideoGamesvoicevoice controlvoice controlledvoice recognitionVoiceControlVoiceControlledVoiceRecognitionWindows PhoneWindowsPhonexboxxbox 360xbox dashboardxbox livexbox live dashboardxbox live dashboard updateXbox-360Xbox360XboxDashboardXboxLiveXboxLiveDashboardXboxLiveDashboardUpdateZuneFri, 09 Sep 2011 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[We're In ushers Bing into the location-based social networking game]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/20/were-in-ushers-bing-into-the-location-based-social-networking-g/http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/20/were-in-ushers-bing-into-the-location-based-social-networking-g/http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/20/were-in-ushers-bing-into-the-location-based-social-networking-g/#comments Bing We're In Are you one of the few out there who thought Latitude was, like, totally awesome, but your heart lies with the boys at Redmond? Well, rejoice Bing fans, because We're In is the location-based social network you've been waiting for. At its most basic, the app lets you share your location with friends, find contacts on a map, and update your status -- great for seeing who is around and organizing outings. But, We're In has one unique feature that's actually quite ingenious, location sharing is time limited. You choose who to share GPS data with and for how long. Once the invite expires -- poof! No more tracking. A few more details and the download link can be found at the source.

We're In ushers Bing into the location-based social networking game originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 20 Aug 2011 04:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appappsbingbing were inBingWereInlocation based serviceslocation based social networkinglocation-basedLocationBasedServicesLocationBasedSocialNetworkingmicrosoftmobilepostminisocialsocial networkingSocialNetworkingsoftwarewere inWereInwindows phonewindows phone 7WindowsPhoneWindowsPhone7wp7Sat, 20 Aug 2011 04:33:00 EST<![CDATA[Bing introduces Lasso for iPad app, does cut and paste the cowboy way]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/06/bing-introduces-lasso-for-ipad-app-does-cut-and-paste-the-cowbo/http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/06/bing-introduces-lasso-for-ipad-app-does-cut-and-paste-the-cowbo/http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/06/bing-introduces-lasso-for-ipad-app-does-cut-and-paste-the-cowbo/#comments Bing introduces Lasso for iPad app, does cut-and-paste the cowboy way How's hog-tying search terms sound as an alternative to plain old cut and paste? Well, according to Microsoft, it sounds mighty fine. The software giant just announced Lasso, a new touch-friendly search tool for the Bing iPad app that allows you to rope in your internet queries by circling a word or phrase. Once you've drawn the circle, Bing automatically generates a search using the selected words. No word on how this will work out for us chubby-fingered searchers, but if you've given it a go 'round the ole corral, let us know how it's treating you in the comments.

Bing introduces Lasso for iPad app, does cut and paste the cowboy way originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 06 Jul 2011 16:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appappleapple ipadAppleIpadapplicationbingbing appbing applicationBingAppBingApplicationdecision engineDecisionEngineiosipadmicrosoftsearchsearch appsearch applicationsearch egineSearchAppSearchApplicationSearchEgiSearchEgineWed, 06 Jul 2011 16:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft, Baidu strike China search deal]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/05/microsoft-baidu-strike-china-search-deal/http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/05/microsoft-baidu-strike-china-search-deal/http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/05/microsoft-baidu-strike-china-search-deal/#comments When it wanted to increase its search market share in the US, Microsoft sought out a partnership, resulting in a Yahoo-branded engine with Bing-flavored results. So, it seems natural that the company would look for a similar deal in China, the world's largest market, where the company only manages a presence of around one-percent of search. This time, however, Microsoft's managed a deal with the number one search engine, Baidu, which currently lays claim to three-quarters of the Chinese market -- far greater than Google's 20-percent or so. Baidu and MS announced a deal this week that will put Redmond in charge of English searches on the site. No money changed hands with the deal -- Baidu gets advertising revenue, Microsoft gets a larger slice of China's search pie, and we get an excuse to do an image search for Steve Ballmer on a Chinese search engine.

Microsoft, Baidu strike China search deal originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 05 Jul 2011 18:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>advertisingbaidubingchinachineseenglishgooglepartnershipsearchsearch engineSearchEngineTue, 05 Jul 2011 18:49:00 EST<![CDATA[Sliding Keyboard: it's like Swype, but for Windows Phone 7]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/21/sliding-keyboard-its-like-swype-but-for-windows-phone-7/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/21/sliding-keyboard-its-like-swype-but-for-windows-phone-7/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/21/sliding-keyboard-its-like-swype-but-for-windows-phone-7/#comments In the Android realm, Swype has been life-changing for many; of course, reverting back to the messaging ways of old has been a must when jumping ship to WP7. Now, gesture tracing crosses the aisle, and it's hopping over to Microsoft's turf courtesy of Invoke IT's Sliding Keyboard. With the look of the regular ol' WP7 keyboard, this set of arm floaties records the user tracing out text, just like ex-Android fans are accustomed to. The company goes a bit further by offering a pair of goggles -- in the form of Bing search, text messaging and email options along the bottom of the app. Sure, it's seeing its fair share of first-revision bugs (word recognition seems a bit poor based on early reviews), but at a cool $1.29 (and a free trial preceding that), it's a good bit cheaper than a therapy session. Right?

Sliding Keyboard: it's like Swype, but for Windows Phone 7 originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 21 Jun 2011 07:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidBinggestureInvoke ITInvokeItkeyboardphoneSling KeyboardSlingKeyboardsmartphoneSwypetracingUIWindowsWindows Phone 7WindowsPhone7Tue, 21 Jun 2011 07:32:00 EST<![CDATA[Bing Mobile updated, news and maps get minor facelifts]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/11/bing-mobile-updated-news-and-maps-get-minor-facelifts/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/11/bing-mobile-updated-news-and-maps-get-minor-facelifts/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/11/bing-mobile-updated-news-and-maps-get-minor-facelifts/#comments How can you "be what's next" without having what's next on your phone? Bing is here to help you fulfill its tagline by updating its mobile site for any device that runs HTML5. If the update had a highlight reel to show off the newest features, here's what would be on it: a carousel-like interface in the news section that lets you swipe your finger left or right to switch to other categories; maps that show directions together in split-screen format; a search history complete with trending topics; and the ability to share images and links on Facebook. The new enhancements are now available to iOS, Android, and BlackBerry, so it's an easy jaunt over to your browser to check it out. Or, if you're reading this on your phone, give the ol' More Coverage link a quick tap.

Bing Mobile updated, news and maps get minor facelifts originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 11 Jun 2011 09:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidapplebingbing mapsbing mobilebing searchBingMapsBingMobileBingSearchblackberrybrowsergoogleiOSipadiphoneipod touchIpodTouchmapsmicrosoftmobilemobile browsermobile safariMobileBrowserMobileSafarinewsrefreshRIMsafarisearchsearch engineSearchEngineupdateupdatesSat, 11 Jun 2011 09:26:00 EST<![CDATA[Today's World IPv6 Day: Google, Bing, Facebook and others test out new addresses for 24 hours]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/08/todays-world-ipv6-day-google-bing-facebook-and-others-test-o/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/08/todays-world-ipv6-day-google-bing-facebook-and-others-test-o/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/08/todays-world-ipv6-day-google-bing-facebook-and-others-test-o/#comments Described as a "test flight" of IPv6, today marks the biggest concerted effort by some of the web's marquee players to turn us all on to the newer, fancier web addressing system. Internet Protocol version 4 has been the template by which we've addressed everything connected to the web so far, but that stuff's now nearing exhaustion, so the future demands a longer, more complex nomenclature to tell our smartphones, tablets, printers, and other webOS devices apart. For end users, June 8th won't really feel too different from June 7th -- this will be a change that occurs mostly behind the scenes and there's an IPv4 fallback option if you can't connect in the modern way -- but Google does warn that a very limited subset of users may experience connectivity issues as a result. Hit the links below to see how well prepared for the future you are.

Today's World IPv6 Day: Google, Bing, Facebook and others test out new addresses for 24 hours originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 08 Jun 2011 04:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bingfacebookgoogleinternetinternet protocolInternet Protocol version 6internet societyInternetProtocolInternetProtocolVersion6InternetSocietyipv4 exhaustionIpv4Exhaustionipv6ipv6 dayIpv6Daynokiaonlineoviovi browserOviBrowsertest flightTestFlightwebyahooWed, 08 Jun 2011 04:44:00 EST<![CDATA[Engadget Podcast 241 - 05.27.2011]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/27/engadget-podcast-241-05-27-2011/http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/27/engadget-podcast-241-05-27-2011/http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/27/engadget-podcast-241-05-27-2011/#comments It's all about doing new stuff, right? This week, we're doing a lot of new stuff: paying for soda pop with our cell phones, reading books on E Ink displays, and waiting for Duke Nukem Forever. OK, well maybe none of those things are actually new, but we're doing them in new ways this week, kind of. Listen to the podcast, is all we're saying.

Host: Tim Stevens
Guests: Brian Heater
Producer: Trent Wolbe
Music: 10yr - Regulate

02:30 - Kobo unbuttons for $129 eReader Touch Edition, we go hands-on (video)
03:52 - Barnes & Noble announces new touch-enabled Nook for $139 (video)
13:43 - Barnes & Noble selling Nooks for $99 on eBay
18:03 - Live from Microsoft's Windows Phone VIP preview event!
22:00 - Windows Phone 'Mango' search offers location-specific results, app integration (video)
29:36 - Windows Phone Mango and Bing Vision hands-on
32:05 - Live from the Google Wallet press event!
33:50 - Google Wallet mobile payment service, Google Offers announced
35:16 - Google Wallet vending on Nexus S hands-on
43:21 - Droid Incredible 2 review
48:53 - Spotify and Facebook partner up, send Europe a friend request?
50:55 - Sony makes good, doles out identity protection activation codes for PSN and Qriocity users
51:28 - TweetDeck and Twitter, together at last
54:00 - Duke Nukem Forever goes gold, will meet promised June deadline (really!)




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Engadget Podcast 241 - 05.27.2011 originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 27 May 2011 15:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>barnes and nobleBarnesAndNoblebingdroiddroid incredible 2DroidIncredible2Duke Nukem ForeverDukeNukemForeverfacebookfacebook musicFacebookMusicgooglegoogle walletGoogleWalletkobokobo ereader touch editionKoboEreaderTouchEditionmangomotorolanookpodcastpodcastspsnpsn hackpsn outage 2011PsnHackPsnOutage2011sonysony psnSonyPsnspotifyspotify on facebookSpotifyOnFacebooktouchtouchscreentweetdecktwitterwindows phone 7.1WindowsPhone7.1Fri, 27 May 2011 15:59:00 ESTEngadget Podcast 241Tim Stevens01:03:27podcasts<![CDATA[Windows Phone Mango and Bing Vision hands-on]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/24/windows-phone-mango-and-bing-vision-hands-on/http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/24/windows-phone-mango-and-bing-vision-hands-on/http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/24/windows-phone-mango-and-bing-vision-hands-on/#comments We're done listening, it's time to start doing. Microsoft had a number of Windows Phone Mango devices scattered about after this morning's intimate event concluded. So we grabbed one, went somewhere quiet, and got a little more intimate with the operating system itself, checking out the new hubs, groups, and Bing Vision search that should make cross-shopping a whole lot easier. Join us, won't you, to see what Mango is -- and what it isn't.

Gallery: Windows Phone Mango hands-on!

Continue reading Windows Phone Mango and Bing Vision hands-on

Windows Phone Mango and Bing Vision hands-on originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 24 May 2011 12:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>7.1bingbing visionBingVisionfacebookhands-onmangomicrosoftsmartphonesoftwarevideowidows phone 7WidowsPhone7windows phonewindows phone 7.1WindowsPhoneWindowsPhone7.1Tue, 24 May 2011 12:43:00 EST<![CDATA[Windows Phone 'Mango' search offers location-specific results, app integration (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/24/windows-phone-mango-search-offers-location-specific-results-a/http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/24/windows-phone-mango-search-offers-location-specific-results-a/http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/24/windows-phone-mango-search-offers-location-specific-results-a/#comments
Windows Phone's latest iteration (codename Mango) is all about keeping it in the hood. We had a chance to sit down with a Windows Phone rep before today's big reveal, and they let us in on a couple of new features that will most definitely set the OS apart -- at least when it comes to navigating the tangled web that is the internet. We did get a quick glimpse at IE9, but the new browser isn't much of a game changer -- it supports HTML5, but still won't deliver Flash or Silverlight compatibility. The real news here is in the Bing-powered search function, which lets users surf the vast expanses of the web four different ways, with a focus on the local.

Clicking the dedicated search button from the Windows Phone home screen takes you to a familiar Bing page, offering the visual, audio, and voice options we heard rumored earlier this month, along with a city scape icon. That skyline represents Local Scout, a function that focuses your queries on the neighborhood you're in, providing location-specific results that highlight important information about establishments and events in your immediate area. Clicking through on any link brings up general information as well as reviews gleaned from popular user-generated sites. That's not all that's new, however, as Mango also offers some nifty tricks in its visual search. Instead of just snapping a barcode, you can actually use a shot of the product itself to bring up information about pricing, availability, and relevant apps.

The demo we saw used the cover of The Girl Who Played With Fire, and supplied among the search results a link to the title in the Kindle app. This isn't exactly groundbreaking technology -- Google Goggles does much the same thing -- but what's truly different here is the tight integration of such functions in the operating system, as well as links to outside applications. Thus, the experience is a bit unlike any other in the OS atmosphere, upending our idea of what it means to search the internets without resorting to standalone programs. Whether it's something users will take to is anybody's guess, but we're certain it's enough to get folks talking. For a deeper (and very vertical) look at Local Scout, hop on past the break.

Continue reading Windows Phone 'Mango' search offers location-specific results, app integration (video)

Windows Phone 'Mango' search offers location-specific results, app integration (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 24 May 2011 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bingbrowsercell phoneCellPhoneIE9internet explorerinternet explorer 9internet searchInternetExplorerInternetExplorer9InternetSearchlocallocal scoutLocalScoutlocation servicLocationServicMangomicrosoftosphonesmart phoneSmartPhoneupdatevideovisual searchVisualSearchwindowswindows phoneWindows Phone 7Windows Phone 7 updatewindows phone mangowindows phone searchWindows Phone updateWindowsPhoneWindowsPhone7WindowsPhone7UpdateWindowsPhoneMangoWindowsPhoneSearchWindowsPhoneUpdateWP7WP7 updateWp7UpdateTue, 24 May 2011 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Bing's 'friend effect' search tool uses Facebook 'Like' button to affect your results]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/17/bing-adds-facebook-friend-effect-to-search-hopes-you-like-i/http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/17/bing-adds-facebook-friend-effect-to-search-hopes-you-like-i/http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/17/bing-adds-facebook-friend-effect-to-search-hopes-you-like-i/#comments If you'll recall, Google has been pushing social integration into its search algorithm quite aggressively for the past few months; lest we forget the versatile +1 button. Not to be out done by Team Google's spider-crawling and link-snatching ways, Microsoft has announced full-on Facebook integration for Bing. They're referring to it as, the "Friend Effect." So, what's the difference?

While Google's approach aggregates its standard search results with shared content from the social networks you've manually linked to your account, Bing's approach relies upon the ol' Facebook "Like" button. Basically, Microsoft found that most people usually want opinions from friends and family before they make a decision on something. So by including friends' and families' Facebook-based Likes in the search results the company lets you know their input without ever having to ask. At the same time, Microsoft has added a universal like button to the Bing Toolbar that you can use to mark your approval on anything you find on the web, which in turn, can help out your friends' searches in a socially, antisocial kind of way. Bing uses "Collective IQ" of the internet hive-mind to optimize search results should your friends lack opinions about your interests.

Bing's Friend Effect search integration is pretty interesting stuff, and it could definitely offer a compelling alternative to Google's social search approach if your Facebook "friends" can truly be classified as such. Check out the videos after the break if you want more detail, and be sure to let us know what team you're on in the comments below.

Continue reading Bing's 'friend effect' search tool uses Facebook 'Like' button to affect your results

Bing's 'friend effect' search tool uses Facebook 'Like' button to affect your results originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 17 May 2011 19:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Bingbing toolbarBingToolbarfacebookFacebookPrivacyfriend effectFriendEffectgooglelikelike buttonLikeButtonMicrosoftsearchsearch enginessearch optimizationSearchEnginesSearchOptimizationsocialsocial networksocial networkingSocialNetworkSocialNetworkingsocialsearchvideoTue, 17 May 2011 19:36:00 EST<![CDATA[Latest WP7 Mango leak hints at added Windows Messenger support]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/09/latest-wp7-mango-leak-hints-at-added-windows-messenger-support/http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/09/latest-wp7-mango-leak-hints-at-added-windows-messenger-support/http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/09/latest-wp7-mango-leak-hints-at-added-windows-messenger-support/#comments The upcoming Windows Phone update is looking better with each subsequent leak. What initially appeared to be primarily targeted toward programmers has since begun bearing fruit on the user's end, a trend continued with this latest unauthorized glimpse. We're certainly taking it with a few tablespoons of salt -- the Mango screens appeared on and were subsequently pulled from Chinese site Cnblogs -- but we like what we see. Perhaps most significant among the newly glimpsed features here is integration between WP7's People hub and Windows Live Messenger, making it possible to IM people directly from the contacts list. Also present, Bing Image Search, support for East Asian languages, and added SkyDrive functionality, which we've already seen previewed. No doubt we'll be hearing more on this very subject in the near future. More info as the story ripens.

[Thanks, All]

Latest WP7 Mango leak hints at added Windows Messenger support originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 09 May 2011 20:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BingmangoMicrosoftmobileSkyDriveWindowswindows live messengerWindows PhoneWindows Phone 7WindowsLiveMessengerWindowsPhoneWindowsPhone7wp7Mon, 09 May 2011 20:16:00 EST<![CDATA[Windows Phone 7 updates Bing to find music and barcodes, provide turn-by-turn directions and send speech-to-text SMS?]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/08/windows-phone-7-updates-bing-to-find-music-and-barcodes-provide/http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/08/windows-phone-7-updates-bing-to-find-music-and-barcodes-provide/http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/08/windows-phone-7-updates-bing-to-find-music-and-barcodes-provide/#comments Developers are getting plenty of toys alongside Windows Phone 7's "Mango" release, but there may be extra baubles for regular users, too -- Microsoft will reportedly add a few features to Bing in the near future which could prove particularly useful. According to the latest episode of the Windows Phone Dev Podcast -- which hosted Microsoft's Brandon Watson as a guest -- a new function called Bing Audio will act like a Shazam for recognizing music (and will sell you Zune tracks) while Bing Vision will use your smartphone's camera to read barcodes and do optical character recognition, plus potentially provide support for augmented reality apps. There's also allegedly turn-by-turn voice directions for Bing Maps and a native podcast player, and one more potentially exciting thing -- voice-to-text for sending SMS messages without lifting a finger. Hear all about the rumor at our source link, at just about the 40-minute mark.

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]

Windows Phone 7 updates Bing to find music and barcodes, provide turn-by-turn directions and send speech-to-text SMS? originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 08 May 2011 22:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bingBing AudioBing VisionBingAudioBingVisionMangoMicrosoftrumorrumorsvoice recognitionvoice to textVoiceRecognitionVoiceToTextWindows PhoneWindowsPhoneWP7Sun, 08 May 2011 22:56:00 EST<![CDATA[BlackBerry to integrate Bing services at the OS level (update: video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/03/blackberry-to-integrate-bing-services-at-the-os-level/http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/03/blackberry-to-integrate-bing-services-at-the-os-level/http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/03/blackberry-to-integrate-bing-services-at-the-os-level/#comments
Steve Ballmer made an appearance today at BlackBerry World 2011 and after briefly pimping Windows Phone live on stage, announced a partnership between Microsoft and RIM to integrate Bing into BlackBerry products. In addition to making Bing the default search and map provider for all BlackBerry devices going forward, the services will be added at the OS level instead of being bundled as a series of apps. This will provide features ranging from voice and location-aware search to panorama stitching. It also suggests that we'll likely see another iteration of the BlackBerry OS beyond version 7 -- based on QNX, perhaps? -- sometime before the holidays.

Update: We dropped in a video after the break demonstrating a future (aka, this coming holiday season) where Bing is integrated into the BlackBerry OS. Hope you can handle the hipness.

Continue reading BlackBerry to integrate Bing services at the OS level (update: video)

BlackBerry to integrate Bing services at the OS level (update: video) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 03 May 2011 09:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BingBlackBerryBlackBerry Worldblackberry world 2011BlackberryWorldBlackberryWorld2011breaking newsMicrosoftpartnershipRIMsearchvideoTue, 03 May 2011 09:51:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft releases Bing search app tailored specifically to the iPad]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/07/microsoft-releases-bing-search-app-tailored-specifically-to-the/http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/07/microsoft-releases-bing-search-app-tailored-specifically-to-the/http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/07/microsoft-releases-bing-search-app-tailored-specifically-to-the/#comments Are you finding the Bing iOS app not quite as tablet-optimized as it could be? Microsoft seems to agree with you, as it's just released a new version of Bing designed to make the most of the iPad's more spacious dimensions. It works with both generations of the tablet, though iOS 4.2 is required, and brings an arsenal of goodies to tempt users into giving it a try. A trends area will serve up the top-searched items on Bing, a dedicated movie- and trailer-searching section will help make your matinee decisions that little bit easier, and multiple map views will enlighten you with turn-by-turn directions and real-time transit info. There are even weather updates for up to five cities via MSN Weather and, if for whatever reason you don't find the touch-centric interface to your liking, there's a Bing Voice Search option as well. All for free. On the iPad. Boy, that must bruise some egos up in the Redmond. Video after the break.

Continue reading Microsoft releases Bing search app tailored specifically to the iPad

Microsoft releases Bing search app tailored specifically to the iPad originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 07 Apr 2011 14:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appappleapple ipadAppleIpadapplicationbingbing appbing applicationBingAppBingApplicationdecision engineDecisionEngineiosipadmicrosoftsearchsearch appsearch applicationsearch egineSearchAppSearchApplicationSearchEginesoftwaretablettouch and decideTouchAndDecidevideoThu, 07 Apr 2011 14:13:00 EST<![CDATA[Bing for Mobile portal gets updated, brings HTML5-based fanciness]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/24/bing-for-mobile-portal-gets-updated-brings-html5-based-fancines/http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/24/bing-for-mobile-portal-gets-updated-brings-html5-based-fancines/http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/24/bing-for-mobile-portal-gets-updated-brings-html5-based-fancines/#commentsWhatever Google (and Yahoo!) can do, Bing can do better? It doesn't exactly have that so-called ring to it, but Bing has proven to be a legitimate contender in the search wars -- particularly on the mobile side. This week, Microsoft launched a number of updates to the Bing for Mobile browse portal, giving users access to better and faster image search, real-time transit and directions, app search for the iPhone, and more. The new version relies on HTML5, and the company assures us that Windows Phone 7 support for the updates (and HTML5) will be available later in the year. On-the-go users will also see transit directions (real-time in Boston, San Francisco, Seattle, Chicago, and Los Angeles), a reorganized shopping experience, automated weather suggestions and app / movie searches. Head on down to the source link (on your phone, of course) to see if any of the new features have you sold.

Bing for Mobile portal gets updated, brings HTML5-based fanciness originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 24 Mar 2011 21:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bingBing for MobileBingForMobilebrowsermobile bingmobile browserMobileBingMobileBrowsersearchsearch engineSearchEngineThu, 24 Mar 2011 21:40:00 EST<![CDATA[ComScore: Microsoft becomes second for online video in one month (update)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/22/comscore-microsoft-becomes-second-for-online-video-in-one-month/http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/22/comscore-microsoft-becomes-second-for-online-video-in-one-month/http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/22/comscore-microsoft-becomes-second-for-online-video-in-one-month/#comments
 Earlier this month, we got word that Bing had surpassed Yahoo! as the world's second most used search engine, and now Microsoft's solidifying its place as runner-up, coming in behind YouTube as the internet's number two provider of streaming video, with 48 million unique viewers in February. According to ComScore's latest ranking of online video providers, the software giant went from number seven to number two in just one month, bumping Yahoo! down to third place. Of course, YouTube is still way out in front, with over 140 million visitors, but given the speed with which it leaped ahead, we'd say Bing is doing something right. Check out more online video results after the break.

Update: Well, as it turns out, Microsoft wasn't number two for video in February, after all. We received an e-mail this morning informing us that ComScore made a correction to its numbers, showing VEVO as the runner-up, with 49 million unique viewers last month. That doesn't change the software giant's leap ahead -- it's still holding down third place, with 48 million -- but it certainly looks like someone's got some stiff competition. Check out the updated chart above for the new numbers.

Continue reading ComScore: Microsoft becomes second for online video in one month (update)

ComScore: Microsoft becomes second for online video in one month (update) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 22 Mar 2011 22:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bingbing+searchbingsearchcomscoregooglemicrosoftmicrosoft+bing+searchmicrosoftbingsearchnumbersonlineonline videoOnlineVideorankingsecond placeSecondPlacestatsstreamingstreaming videoStreamingVideoVEVOvideoyahooyoutubeTue, 22 Mar 2011 22:57:00 EST<![CDATA[Kayak to provide travel and flight search results within Microsoft's Bing]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/05/kayak-to-provide-travel-and-flight-search-results-within-microso/http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/05/kayak-to-provide-travel-and-flight-search-results-within-microso/http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/05/kayak-to-provide-travel-and-flight-search-results-within-microso/#commentsBing Travel just so happened to be the one major aspect of Bing that kept us coming back, and now it's about to get even more irresistible. The famed Kayak flight search engine will soon be powering Microsoft's Bing Travel, with the two locking down a partnership that'll bring better results to consumers while enabling Bing admins to focus their attention on more pressing matters. According to Kayak, Bing will have access to "all" of Kayak's travel search services globally, and it looks as if the integration will be complete "in the coming weeks." Call it a hunch, but something tells us the folks are Redmond are just stacking up ammunition to face a new wave of inevitable competition -- if that Google / ITA deal ever clears regulatory hurdles, it'll be On Like Donkey Kong.

Kayak to provide travel and flight search results within Microsoft's Bing originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 05 Mar 2011 07:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bingbing travelBingTravelbookingflightinternetkayakmicrosoftsearchtravelwebsiteSat, 05 Mar 2011 07:19:00 EST<![CDATA[Bing advances past Yahoo! to become world's second most used search engine -- with 4.4 percent]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/02/bing-advances-past-yahoo-to-become-worlds-second-most-used-sea/http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/02/bing-advances-past-yahoo-to-become-worlds-second-most-used-sea/http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/02/bing-advances-past-yahoo-to-become-worlds-second-most-used-sea/#comments How far we've come from the heady days when Microsoft was willing to splash $44 billion to acquire Yahoo! Since then, the online portal has done whatever the opposite of going from strength to strength is, and today it's suffered the somewhat predictable ignominy of losing its second spot in search to Microsoft's upstart Bing. Statcounter places the February global share of search at 4.4 percent for Microsoft and 3.9 percent for Yahoo! (the Redmond giant can actually lay claim to a bigger slice since Bing "powers" Yahoo! search results in some countries), neither of which should give Google much reason for concern while it's sitting pretty with a share of just under 90 percent. It's the first time Google has dipped below the 90 percent mark for a long time, but Statcounter says "it shows little sign of losing its global dominance any time soon." So that settles that.

Continue reading Bing advances past Yahoo! to become world's second most used search engine -- with 4.4 percent

Bing advances past Yahoo! to become world's second most used search engine -- with 4.4 percent originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 02 Mar 2011 10:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>binginternetmarket shareMarketSharemicrosoftsearchsearch engineSearchEnginesharestatcounterwebyahooyahoo searchYahooSearchWed, 02 Mar 2011 10:21:00 EST<![CDATA[Nokia and Microsoft enter strategic alliance on Windows Phone, Bing, Xbox Live and more]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/11/nokia-and-microsoft-enter-strategic-alliance-on-windows-phone-b/http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/11/nokia-and-microsoft-enter-strategic-alliance-on-windows-phone-b/http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/11/nokia-and-microsoft-enter-strategic-alliance-on-windows-phone-b/#comments
It's happened. Former Microsoft exec and current Nokia CEO Stephen Elop has married his future and his past in the holy matrimony of a "strategic alliance." Windows Phone is becoming Nokia's "principal smartphone strategy," but there's a lot more to this hookup -- scope out the official press release just after the break. Microsoft's Bing and adCenter will provide search and ad services across Nokia devices, while Nokia will look to innovate "on top of the platform" with things like its traditional strength in imaging. Ovi Maps will be a core part of Microsoft's mapping services and will be integrated with Bing, while Nokia's content store will be integrated into (read: assimilated by) Microsoft's Marketplace. Xbox Live and Office will also, as is to be expected, feature on these brave new Microkia handsets. An open letter on Nokia's Conversations site, penned jointly by Stephen Elop and Steve Ballmer, sets out the foregoing details along with the following statement of intent:
"There are other mobile ecosystems. We will disrupt them. There will be challenges. We will overcome them. Success requires speed. We will be swift. Together, we see the opportunity, and we have the will, the resources and the drive to succeed."

Nokia and Microsoft enter strategic alliance on Windows Phone, Bing, Xbox Live and more originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 11 Feb 2011 02:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adcenterallianceannouncedbingbreaking newsBreakingNewscapital markets dayCapitalMarketsDayconfirmedelopmarketplacemicrosoftnokiaofficeofficialoviovi mapsovi storeOviMapsOviStorepartnershipstephen elopStephenElopsteve ballmerSteveBallmerstrategicstrategic allianceStrategicAlliancestrategyvideowindows phonewindows phone 7WindowsPhoneWindowsPhone7wp7xboxxbox liveXboxLiveFri, 11 Feb 2011 02:32:00 EST