Microsoft has rolled out two pivotal updates for its Bing search and Bing Chat services. The first update aims to assist users in reaching their destinations more efficiently. As highlighted in the official Bing Blog post, when users input a request for directions, they will not only receive optimal route suggestions but will also be presented with a visual representation of these directions using Bing’s map features.
Live Traffic Updates on Bing Maps
In another significant development, Microsoft has enabled smartphone users to access live traffic reports via Bing Maps. These reports encompass notifications about accidents, suggested routes, and proposed departure times. Users have the option to directly access this information through the Bing Maps traffic URL or by downloading the Microsoft Start app, available for both Android and iOS platforms.
Bing Chat’s Extended Support
Further expanding its reach, Microsoft has recently incorporated support for Bing Chat on desktops for all Google Chrome users. Testing for compatibility with Apple’s Safari browser, as well as mobile versions of Chrome and Safari, is currently underway. Additionally, Bing Chat Enterprise is now accessible via Microsoft’s Edge mobile site. Microsoft has also discreetly integrated a Bing Chat and Bing Search widget into the beta version of the Microsoft Launcher app and has initiated testing for a ‘No Search’ option for Bing Chat with a select group of users.
Upcoming Press Event
Microsoft has scheduled a special press event in New York City on September 21. Speculations suggest potential updates related to Bing Chat and the unveiling of new Surface hardware products during this event.
The same official announcement also shed light on the integration of Bing Chat Enterprise into Windows Copilot. This feature is now available for members of the Windows Insider program, specifically those in the Dev and Beta channels. The Bing Chat Enterprise is designed to ensure data protection for organizations using Windows Copilot.
As stated in the official release notes, “Bing Chat Enterprise allows organizations to use Windows Copilot with confidence that their data is protected: prompts and responses aren’t saved, Microsoft has no ‘eyes on’ access, and your chat data isn’t used to train the underlying large language model.”
