Microsoft announced that Bing will now display quick answers to queries related to local information. These come in the form of “facts” at the top of the search page, which provide things like phone numbers for restaurants, hours of local stores, and directions to people’s houses.
“Need help figuring out whether that unbelievable sale item is still around and you can’t waste another moment? Or want to celebrate your savings with a nice dinner? Just search for the phone number and we’ll give it to you right there,” says Microsoft. “Now, how to get there? Just ask for directions and you can see a quick answer showing the best route with distance and travel time information. Click on turn by turn directions to get the full route details.”
Examples of queries you could use (as provided by Microsoft) include: How to reach 120 Broadway, New York, NY 10271 from Brooklyn?; Directions to 920 Dexter Ave N, Seattle, WA; Travel time to 440 Terry Ave, Seattle.
You can also use “reviews” or “address” commands for places.
The directions feature is currently only available in the US, UK and France, while reviews and address answers are only available on desktop.
Images via Microsoft