Microsoft is making Bing Maps more Google-like, and that’s good

Microsoft is cleaning up and improving all of its services ahead of the Windows 10 launch later this month, and it looks like Bing Maps is next on the list. The company has completely redesigned the service to be a bit more Google-like, which means its much cleaner and more aesthetically pleasing. On top of that, Microsoft made it so that Bing Maps gives you more information, but in a way that doesn’t make things too cluttered. 

Microsoft may have sent of some of its mapping employees over to Uber last week, but that doesn’t mean it’s giving up on improving Bing Maps. The company today revealed a redesign that looks a whole lot more like Google’s product – but that’s not a bad thing. Most obviously, the map now takes up nearly the entirety of your browser, with your search results organized into floating cards displayed to the left. These show information such as hours of operation and similar nearby businesses, and you can also add multiple destinations to view them all in one go when planning a trip. Microsoft says it’s designed the maps to be more touch-friendly and intuitive. You can now choose between aerial and road views from the bottom right, and saving favorites, adding routes, or getting streetside views is just a right-click or long press away.