Build 2013: Microsoft Opens Up Bing Engine For Developers

Meanwhile, the Bing Maps SDK for Windows 8.1 provides mapping, routing, and traffic capabilities for Windows Store applications in Windows 8.1. And Pall also said the preview of the Bing Maps 3D SDK for Windows 8.1 will deliver photorealistic and smooth mapping experiences that let developers build apps that put the user in the center of the action.

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“Basically, I think an API that allows developers to participate in search requests is a key to designing modern services, especially as consumers shift to voice interaction,” said Jeffrey Hammond, an analyst with Forrester Research. “They will place a request and expect it to be fulfilled, or expect the system to anticipate what they want. I was expecting Google to do something like this for Google Now at Google I/O, but they didn’t. I think Microsoft just fired a shot across their bow, and could take the lead in driving adaptive applications in the process.”

Microsoft said the design of Bing enables the company to move with agility on the platform. “The Bing platform builds upon the enormous investments we have made in core search technologies that enable devices and services to let users interact with the world’s knowledge and their surroundings in more human ways,” Pall said. “These technologies, when integrated into devices and apps, create an ‘intelligent fabric.’ We’ve woven together Bing’s massive worldwide indexing technology infrastructure with third-party applications and data combined with intelligent services derived from years of work from MS Research and the Bing teams to enable the next-generation of app experiences. For us, the future of search is not about more search boxes – it’s about building a platform to enable applications and devices to empower people with knowledge and help them do more – not just search more.”

Meanwhile, Bing introduced two new Bing Apps for Windows 8.1 Preview: the Food & Drink app and the Health & Fitness app. Designed from the ground up for Windows 8.1 to embrace speed and touch, the apps give people a consistent way to delve into culinary and health interests and get things done. Additionally, the Bing Maps app has been updated with a range of new features like improved local search, personalised recommendations and improved integration with other Windows apps and partners like Facebook and OpenTable.

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Originally published on eWeek.