Bing and Ping (but not on Windows Live)

Microsoft's Bing team is working on a new sharing feature, known as Bing & Ping, that will allow Bing searchers to share their findings with a few clicks.

But at least so far, the feature is only designed to allow sharing of sports scores, restaurants, movie times, flight statuses and other search results with Facebook, Twitter and e-mail users. As a number of users are complaining in talkbacks on the Bing Community blog post on September 3 which explained the Bing and Ping feature, Microsoft isn't enabling sharing on its own Windows Live social-networking site or other Windows Live services.

Commentator "Ali" noted:

"What about sending an IM? Or using Windows Live 'Shared Favourites' or updating my WLM (Windows Live Messenger) status?  I think it's great that you're embracing all the other web services out there, but how can MS expect other web sites/businesses to embrace their online services when MS's own properties often don't...  Be great to see a little more integration."

Poster "Peter" added:

"Where is the benefit for me? Yes, I know how I can handle this, it's easy, install the new AIM Messenger... o_O . The other thing I could use is a vista sidebar gadget. :|

"No sorry without any interaction with other MS apps or services it's pointless for me."

In order to get an invitation to test the service, users need to become a Bing fan via the Bing Facebook page.