Microsoft Bing Search Gets Better on Android
Issued on April 19, 2021, the new version lets you “see top news, stay updated on topics you’re following, and get quick access to Microsoft features,” according to the Google Play Store listing for the official Microsoft Bing Search app on Android.
With the changes, Android users can now find all their favorite Bing features in one place. For starters, the search bar now has a much more prominent place in the interface.
In addition to accepting your search terms and URLs, the relocated search bar has dedicated icons for accessing voice search and scanning QR codes with your phone’s camera. In addition to that, you can search visually by uploading your own image.
As for Bing’s new personalized homepage, it features handy shortcuts leading to some of the most commonly-used features of Bing such as the current weather forecast and what’s nearby (previously, you had to hunt those features down in the Bing menu).
Another section gives you a list of relevant news stories that should suit your interests. If you use cloud storage, Bing on Android now includes dedicated icons for OneDrive and other online services from Microsoft.
What Are the Key Features of Bing?
Aside from searching the web with keywords or images, checking the weather forecast, tracking sports scores and using your voice to search, the mobile Bing app on iOS and Android, as well as the web interface, have a plenty of other cool features.
For instance, you can enter math problems into Bing to get step-by-step solutions in an instant. A COVID tracker lets you keep tabs on the latest case numbers and vaccine info.
Esports support makes it a cinch to watch livestreams and get the latest news. For gaming fans, Bing features a dedicate section for finding quick distractions such as Sudoku, quizzes and other free online games. With Bing’s built-translator, you can translate words, phrases and sentences in more than 70 languages. A handy unit converter converts in 18 different unit categories.
If you’re looking for the best deals online, Bing can help with that, too, by finding great deals and coupons for retailers. There’s even a rewards program in Bing for shoppers who want to earn points toward free gift cards and more.
Perhaps not that important in terms of searching the web but very popular nonetheless, Bing makes it a cinch to choose from a selection of gorgeous photographs that you can set as the background of the Bing homepage.
As of October 5, 2020, the Bing search engine is called “Microsoft Bing.”
Microsoft is also doubling-down on Bing alongside renewed plans to take on Google. As an example, Bing recently ditched Yelp for Facebook Reviews while adding new features designed for finding recipes and helping you become a better cook in your kitchen.
Image Credit: Sharaf Maksumov / Shutterstock
