In an apparent attempt to get you to shop at a mall rather than online, Microsoft Bing search engine announced today they have launched “Mall Maps”, a service that will show you were a mall is, where the store is that you are trying to locate and an option to search for other local businesses in the area. The update is available for mobile devices, as well as, on your desktop computer. This makes planning a shopping trip in advance much easier and if you use it on your smartphone, you can plan on-the-go.
The new feature is available on devices that run HTML5 like the iPhone, Android and some products from Research in Motion. Using Bing Mall Search is pretty easy and will certainly get you the information that you are looking for. Run the Bing Mall Search app or go to m.bing.com and search for the mall in your area. From there you are essentially put right into your mall so that you can have a look around for the store of your choice. The mall search will also help you find bathrooms and other customer services provided by the mall. One issue, that could be considered a big one, is that inside a mall you might not even have service to your phone and then you won’t be able to use the search at all.
Because you do not have to use the search on your mobile device and you have the option of using your desktop, it allows you another option say you are planning a shopping trip somewhere outside of the city you live in. If you are not familiar with your mall, the mall search really gives you a good view all on one screen. Of course, you could just seek out the mall directory, but what fun would that be? The odds that you are already looking at your Smartphone are pretty good, don’t you think? Apps like this for your mobile phone make your shopping experience much more enjoyable and Bing is really all about that.
A statement from the team at Bing that is working with the feature said, “Venue maps are a great way to save time and frustration when planning your next summer vacation or that last minute shopping trip – getting you in and out the door faster. Additionally, we now also provide the capability to search on the map.”
