In the wake of its recent deal that sold some of its mapping assets to Uber, Microsoft announced that it will release a critical update for its Bing Maps service for the web. Microsoft hopes that the new update for Bing Maps will lessen the service gap between its closest rival, Google Maps.
One of the most notable changes Microsoft made was the shift to card-based format, according to PC World. This allows user to get a quick description about a certain destination or a restaurant for example. The new feature also gives out phone number, address and even reviews coming from TripAdvisor and Yelp.
According to The Verge, the updated Bing Maps also sports a new set of buttons that pulls up nearby interesting destination like shopping centers, restaurants and even local attractions. Travel directions has been overhauled and now provides multiple routes based on the users current location and its intended destination. It also features travel time estimates based on the local traffic situation.
The Bing Maps map view was redesigned and is now takes up the browsers whole window. The information column previously located on the left side of the browser windows is now hidden and only pops up when needed.
The new Bing Maps update also allow users to save and sync a specific location across all of their Microsoft account. A streetside view was added as well.
Microsoft announced that the Bing Maps update will be released as a preview version. This could mean that the company wants to test out the new features and find bugs before officially releasing it.