Do you have a J2ME (Java) capable cell phone?
Do you have a Windows Mobile based phone?
Windows Live Search for Mobile Phones released to the web (RTW) last night and is available for download from http://wls.live.com/.
Windows Live Search allows the user to access Live Local through an application interface rather than the Web-based client. It is split up into four separate components: a categorical based search, a mapping function, driving directions, and traffic information.
The client pulls maps — both the standard and aerial type — from Microsoft’s main servers. The user can click and drag the map, and the application would download the additional maps needed automatically. Users can also zoom in and out of maps as needed.
Here’s a quick list of the things about Windows Live Search on WINDOWS MOBILE that I find cool:
- GPS: It’s GPS enabled! If you have a GPS on your phone, it’ll take advantage of it immediately!
- FULL ANIMATION: All map zooms and transition movement slides smoothly just like the desktop version!
- UPDATES: It automatically tells you when a better version is available for installation over the web!
- CLICK-TO-CALL: If you find a restaurant in the directory, you can click on the phone number to have it call the restaurant! (Then immediately get directions to the restaurant)
- STORE-ON-FLASH: Store the satellite images on your SDFlash card so that you don’t consume all your memory on the device!
Real-time Traffic, Zoom-in on Hybrid/Satellite maps, & view side streets
Point-to-point Directions including a map with GPS integration… just click for the next turn!
Full directory of restaurants, services, etc. and the ability to get directions or click-to-call!
Download instructions and news of SMS and Browser based interfaces here:
http://virtualearth.spaces.live.com/Blog/cns!2BBC66E99FDCDB98!7819.entry
—————————–
Here’s what Gizmodo has to say about it:
Windows Live Search For Mobile vs. Google Maps Mobile
Microsoft’s Windows Live Search for Mobiles just went live last night, and we took it for a spin, comparing it to Google Maps for Mobile, which has traffic, maps local business searches and directions as well.
Windows Live Search runs on both J2ME (Java) phones and on Windows Mobile phones, whereas Google Maps only works on J2ME phones.
So which is better? Without a doubt, Microsoft’s was the winner.
This matchup could have been a bit uneven. We were running WLS on a Windows Mobile phone, seeing as the Windows Live Search had a "native-app" feel, because it was a native app. Google Maps on Java ran like Java always does. Painfully.
kurtsh
Kurt Shintaku's Blog 