Yesterday Microsoft announced “Bing Maps Preview” for Windows 8.1 (including tablets). The new mapping app offers a range of enhanced features and capabilities. It seeks to bring highly realistic, 3-D imagery together with a more intuitive UI.
Google Earth and what used to be called Microsoft Virtual Earth have always been a bit slow and clunky as daily mapping and local search tools. Now with Bing Maps Preview Microsoft is trying to merge the daily, mundane world of local search with the more imaginative and leisure uses of 3D mapping (virtual sightseeing, travel planning).
Microsoft said it built the new maps experience, “from the ground up” and has brought together a range of disciplines and experts to add new richness and utility to maps:
Among the new or expanded features of Bing Maps Preview for Windows are the following:
- High-resolution, interactive 3-D cities
- Touch gestures to change the viewpoint or orientation of the map.
- More Streetside imagery with 360 degree panoramas
- Persistent search box
- Personalized local recommendations when signed in with Facebook
- More information about landmarks, local sights and attractions by tapping on the place of interest
- Ability to save favorites and customize the map
This experience isn’t yet available for non-Microsoft platforms or mobile devices beyond Microsoft Surface tablets. However I suspect we’ll see it roll out more broadly across platforms and in the browser over time.
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