Microsoft updates Bing for iPhone to help you shop faster and save more
In its continuing efforts to offer a feature-rich alternative to Google, Microsoft has just released another major update to the official iPhone app of its Bing search engine.
In November, Bing for iPhone underwent a significant revamp aimed at helping its users “find” and “do” things more quickly and easily. That included a new interface for searching the Web and seeing restaurants, movies, images, videos, maps, and more. Also included was a built-in media player and integrations with other apps to allow for searching and taking action from one place only.
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Then, in December, the app received a follow-up update that brought a new in-store price comparison feature along with real-time Uber data and support for animated GIFs.
Now, more features have found their way to Bing for iPhone through its latest update. Interestingly, the key features introduced by this update are aimed at helping users shop faster and save more money.
Deals, deals, deals
The new version of Bing for iPhone introduces a new Deals module that includes the aforementioned comparison shopping feature along with a new feature for browsing offers, coupons, and discounts from nearby stores and restaurants.
With the app, you can launch the barcode scanner by long-pressing the search icon and tapping the camera icon that pops out. You can then point your device’s camera at the barcode of a product you want to look up. The app will then help you with your purchase decision by returning prices and customer ratings from major retails stores including Amazon, Walmart, Target, Home Depot, Macy’s, and more.
Bing for iPhone now also lets you browse deals directly from the homepage of the app with a dedicated icon for the app’s new deals experience. “This is a great companion when you’re shopping at a mall, or making dinner plans,” Microsoft notes. “We’ll automatically find the deals near you, and all you have to do is follow the instructions for how to redeem it from the deal/coupon provider.”
Gas prices
In December, Google Maps was updated with information on gas prices. Now, Bing for iPhone has followed suit.
When you want to gas up along the road, you can now use Bing to look up nearby gas stations and see updated gas prices provided by GasBuddy for the closest fuel stops from Bing Local. To find the cheapest gas in your area, just search for “gas” or go to Near Me and select the Gas bubble in the Places Near Me carousel.
3D Touch and more improvements
The latest update to Bing for iPhone also adds 3D Touch support for Quick Actions. As a result, you can now press the app’s icon on the home screen of your iPhone 6s or iPhone 6s Plus to quickly do a text search, perform a voice search, or launch the barcode scanner.
Moreover, the update enhances the app’s Today feed with the inclusion of weather information and the ability to pin frequent and favorite bookmarks for quick access.
The latest update to Bing for iPhone also delivers the following improvements:
Optimized for iPhone and iPod touch running iOS 8.0 or later, Bing Search is available on the App Store for free.
In addition to updating Bing for iPhone, Microsoft has just updated the official iOS app of its intelligent personal assistant, Cortana, with a Today widget, 3D Touch shortcuts, and a new monthly reminder feature.
