Jazzing Up Bing for Spring
April 15, 2010
Microsoft seems to be using the Sgt. York approach with Bing – adding and tweaking features for the application, one at a time, until they have a complete dynamic package.
Some people wonder, however, if this approach leaves users confused and disinterested, as reported by TechNewsWorld.com in their article, “Bing’s New Bells and Whistles Could Leave Searchers’ Heads Ringing” Let’s face it, we currently live in a world that thrives on immediate gratification. Patience may be a virtue, but not a highly valued one in this day and time. Is it wise to bank on the users still being engaged or even still present when the product has peaked?
The newest feature making the biggest impact, at least out in the blogosphere, is the integration of Foursquare into Bing Maps results. According to Bing Group Product Manager Todd Schwartz,
“Selecting the Foursquare Map App in Bing Maps and zooming in to Greenwich Village will get you tips that show you what locals are saying about the hot spots in that area,” Schwartz wrote. “It’s like an interactive day planner, designed to help find the best things to do in that area. And if you have questions, you can always contact users through foursquare to get the inside scoop.”
The addition of Foursquare certainly sends the message that Microsoft is looking forward at Bing’s mobile applications. However, consumers are currently happy with Google and the search features they find there. It will take a lot of incentive and fantastic features to encourage users to consider switching search engines. Microsoft seems to have devoted lots of time and attention to making just that happen with Bing. A commitment to update and refine Bing several times a year is a significant departure from Microsoft’s history of approaches.
Interestingly, this approach seems vaguely familiar as a tried and true Apple strategy. Release a product, capture your audience’s attention, and upgrade features frequently until you have a loyal customer base that will now pay close attention to any new product you release. Can we say iPod? And now iPad?
But will the effort be noticeable in market share and profits? It appears that Microsoft and Yahoo! are fighting for their share of a piece of pie that doesn’t grow. So whatever gains one makes, it is always at the expense of the other.
Melody K. Smith, April 15, 2010
Note: Post was not sponsored.
Comments
-
- Subscribe to Beyond Search
Feature archive
News archive
-
