BlackBerry taps Bing to power search and maps
Summary: Microsoft and Research in Motion have signed a deal to make Bing the default search and maps app for BlackBerry devices. They also plan to develop these apps into augmented reality services.
Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer made a surprise appearance at the BlackBerry World 2011 keynote in Orlando on Tuesday and announced a new partnership between Microsoft and Research and Motion that will make Bing the default search engine and maps provider for BlackBerry devices. This will begin to show up on BlackBerry smartphones later this year.
After joining RIM co-CEO Mike Lazaridis on stage, Ballmer announced, "We're going to invest uniquely in the BlackBerry platform in addition to our own platform."
The two companies are going to extend this search/maps partnership to bring "augmented reality" -- a combination of maps, GPS, photo search, and more -- to the BlackBerry platform. They are also going to integrate this with BlackBerry Messenger (BBM), RIM's popular combination between IM and social networking.
Related: Bing to become search default on new Blackberry phones
"We're super committed to innovate with Bing and BlackBerry," said Ballmer. "This goes way beyond a search box. It's about giving real people real tools to help them gets things done."
Photo credit: Jason Hiner
Ballmer said this was his first time at BlackBerry World, which is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year, but as he walked off the stage he said, "We'll be back." That sounds like RIM and Microsoft have signed a long-term partnership.
As my colleague Larry Dignan joked, Microsoft is now the friend to all ailing smartphone makers.
More BlackBerry World coverage:
- Top 5 free PlayBook apps
- RIM updates PlayBook with BBM, Video Chat, and Home screen bookmark shortcuts
- BlackBerry OS 7: How to Osborne your smartphone sales
- BlackBerry Balance quietly walls off corporate and personal data
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Talkback
Yes, funny MS still trying to buy their way in anywhere they can.
But that's money Google's NOT getting
and you really believe Google's happy about it?
I think you're the only one laughing. Google's investors and Google themselves aren't!
Message has been deleted.
RE: BlackBerry taps Bing to power search and maps
Microsoft , even if will buy RIM and Nokia , in the ECOSYSTEM WAR , will be on the 4th place after Apple, Google and HP ...
http://pantestmb.blogspot.com/2011/05/blackberry-bold-with-ballmers-bing.html
Very True, Mr. Pharaoh
I believe DonnieBoy did not consider that before speaking, but you are correct.
Google makes no money from this, and that is not something that they wish to continue repeating.
RE: BlackBerry taps Bing to power search and maps
RE: BlackBerry taps Bing to power search and maps
It is interesting that two companies on their way out would join forces. I wouldn't be surprised if MS bought out RIM once its stock tanks to $30...
You may tell yourself that what you wish
But that does not make it true. All it does is give you the ability to say incorrect statements.
:|
RE: BlackBerry taps Bing to power search and maps
Do you actually believe that Google doesn't buy their way into new technology? Here are a few big ones:
- AdMob
- Android
- DoubleClick
- Keyhole (Maps/Earth)
- YouTube
There are 95 such acquisitions listed on Wikipedia. Unlike you, I don't think this is a sin against humanity. These corporations should be buying their way into new markets or they should be giving the money back to their shareholders.
I have been surprised by Bing Maps.
RE: BlackBerry taps Bing to power search and maps
Google maps is easier to use. Bing maps have much better data.
Personally have found Bing to be a *much* better (not just a little better) search engine. In fact, Google seems to be moving backwards, not so much that Bing is getting better. Did they (Google) significantly change their algorithm about six months ago? Since the fall, Google has been rubbish...
The Endangered Polar Monkey
If you really believe that then you're as deluded as Donnieboy
welcome to the skids. You have fallen far, haven't you Bob?
The company you keep
Can't they find someone who is on the way up -- instead of has-beens losing share -- who want to partner with them? If you keep dancing with people who stink, you end up getting the stink on your own clothes.
It's like the guy who shows up in your office with a resume full of amazing jobs and achievements... except that every company he worked for was an also-ran or a tired old hag. Do you hire those guys? I never did.
Wonder if he'll be showing up again soon at apples WWDC
RE: BlackBerry taps Bing to power search and maps
Apple seems possible. But more likely, they will build their own.
RIM to be the next Nokia
Nahh...
<i>The enemy of my enemy is my friend</i>.
Microsoft is just hedging bets trying to beat Google on their own turf, thus eroding on their cash cow.
There's a very slim chance that RIM might offer a WP (sans 7) phone, as this would create trouble inside, having to manage (legacy) BlackBerry OS 6, (upcoming) 7 and (PlayBook) QNX. One more OS would certainly wreck havoc.
With that said, RIM's experiment on Android compatibility could be used by Microsoft to increase their app count using what's basically "open source". Not sure if it would ever happen, but we can't rule it out.
â??Weâ??re super committed...,â?? said Ballmer.
Silverlight; that is why Ballmer will be back
Blackberry is not ready to give up on their own OS, but they would *love* to be able to tap into an app ecosystem.
And Microsoft would *love* to expand Silverlight to more phones to build an ecosystem with broader appeal to developers.
Don't be surprised when MS/BB announces Silverlight for BBOS