Microsoft adding features to Live Search Maps

Filed under: Internet, Web services, Google, Microsoft

Microsoft adding features to Live Search Maps

by Brad Linder Oct 4th 2007

Microsoft is rolling out a few changes to its Live Search Maps services in the coming weeks. It looks like the new page will offer a bunch of new features making it easier to find and print driving directions. Here are a few of the highlights:

A new display mode will let you compress the first few or last few directions. If you're tired of wasting paper by printing out the 5 step directions for getting out of your driveway, this feature could make your day (and prolong your printer's days).
The two-box search bar at the top of the page will be transformed into a single search box with multiple tabs.
There's a new option to select the best route to avoid current traffic.
A new 1-click directions feature will let you search for a location and then get directions to that location from the North, South, East, or West.

It's interesting to note that while Google Maps lets you know how long your trip might take in traffic, and lets you reroute your trip any way you'd like, Live Search Maps might be one-upping Google by giving you something more useful: directions that will actually help you avoid traffic. In theory, anyway. We'll see how well this feature works once Microsoft launches the new Live Search Maps.

Tags: google-maps, live-search, live-search-maps, maps

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

Manish Jain said 8:46AM on 10-05-2007

This would be Excellent in fact if it happens, Ultimately Advantage Users!! in this open competition.

chris pallotta said 8:52AM on 10-05-2007

I did not know that GOOGLE has updates

michael said 5:08PM on 10-05-2007

Live Maps is definitely getting better than Google Maps. I might switch after this one.

Live Maps is known for better quality viewing, but the UI was always been monstorous.

I'm glad they fixed this somewhat, and can't wait to try it.

boogie said 11:00PM on 10-05-2007

Competition is a good thing

michael said 4:45PM on 12-18-2007

Exactly, having Live Maps as an alternative to Google Maps is always great.

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