Skip to main content

Microsoft Comes to Apple’s iPhone in Bing App

BingApp1Do we smell cooperation? Almost. It actually smells more like toleration. Friendly feuding companies Apple and Microsoft got a little closer this week thanks to the Bing iPhone app. Microsoft’s Bing app was approved by Apple and is ready for download to the iPhone and iPod touch at Apple’s App Store. The app, which is completely free, supports straight Web searches, provides search suggestions, displays the Bing image of the day, and supports other specialized features from Bing, such as images, videos, maps, business locations, and news.

Microsoft has been pretty serious about its Bing search engine, promoting it in just about any mobile space or platform it comes across—even a free app for the iPhone. It almost looks like one of the signs of the Apocalypse, but surprisingly it’s not and surprisingly the app seems pretty useful—and it’s not from Google, so we can understand the appeal. The app is basically “Bing,” but in app form—it’s like a mini mobile Bing. Microsoft’s Voice Search function has been integrated into the mobile mapping application, which also uses Microsoft’s Seadragon technology. The app also allows Bing to tap into the iPhone’s GSP, which can locate users, and will return locally relevant search results when you’re seeking places such as restaurants, banks, or theaters. Bing will also provide either driving or walking directions to those places.

Bing is already available for BlackBerries, Windows Mobile phones and other mobile browsers, and it works with any iPhone or second-generation iPod touch running iPhone OS 3.0 or later.

Editors' Recommendations

Dena Cassella
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Haole built. O'ahu grown
iOS 18 could add a customization feature I’ve waited years for
iOS 17 interactive widgets on an iPhone 15 Pro Max.

iOS 18 is coming later this year, and all signs point to it being a dramatic iPhone update. Now, thanks to one new report, it looks like iOS 18 could add a customization feature I've been waiting years and years and years for: better home screen customization.

According to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, iOS 18 will introduce a "more customizable" home screen. More specifically, iOS 18 will allow you to place app icons and widgets anywhere you want. If you want a space or break between an app icon or your widget, welcome to the future: iOS 18 may finally let you do that. MacRumors corroborated this report with its own sources, too.

Read more
5 phones you should buy instead of the iPhone 15 Pro Max
iPhone 15 Pro Max lying on the ground surrounded by leaves.

Apple’s iPhone 15 Pro Max is one of the top choices for a premium smartphone. It offers the latest and greatest from Apple, including the new A17 Pro chip, a fantastic camera system, a lightweight titanium body, the Action button, and USB-C charging. It's a great package.

But there’s no doubt about it — the iPhone 15 Pro Max is also quite expensive, with a starting price of $1,200. It’s also not the only option out there if you want the best smartphone on the market, especially if you aren’t particularly invested in the Apple ecosystem.

Read more
The best iPhone keyboard apps in 2024: our 12 favorites
Typing on the iPhone 14 Plus.

The iPhone's default keyboard may not meet everyone's needs. Its limited features may leave some users wanting more variety and flexibility, especially on larger devices like the iPhone 15 Pro Max or smaller models like the iPhone SE (2022).

We have conducted research and compiled a comprehensive list of the best third-party keyboards for iPhone, that can significantly enhance your texting experience. These keyboards offer a wide range of features and customization options, such as adjustable key size, swipe typing, themes, and easier access to emojis. Most of these keyboards are available for free, while some offer premium subscription options. Either way, you'll easily be able to find a keyboard that suits your needs and preferences.

Read more