Why I Dumped Google for Bing

I generally rotate through search engines and have recently moved to Microsoft Bing. I always considered it to be second-rate, based on the fact that its crawlers are not as persistent as Google's, but things change.

Before I heap praise on Bing, I need to mention Searx.me, a unique customizable engine from which you get both Google and Bing results. I really only switched from SearX to Bing for photo searches.

Over time, I've noticed that Bing photo results seem to have gained an edge over Google. I'm not sure when, but it was apparent on a number of recent searches. It's not generally a reason to switch to Bing or even to visit for most people, but it hooked me.

Directions on Bing Maps have also become a realistic competitor to Google. Even though it's not available on Android, as a desktop app, it's as good or better than Google Maps. There are traffic updates and even street view, as well as a map of traffic cameras. Bing's turn-by-turn instructions are often better than Google's, too.

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The overall navigation of the page is somewhat different and perhaps more intuitive, with useful features such as an easy way to make permanent changes to your home location and work locations. For the past five years, Google has told me I work in San Francisco. I do not, but have not found an easy way to change this. Microsoft has the change feature up top.

I will admit that Google Street View does trump Microsoft's version, dubbed Streetside. Street View offers more variety and its images are better and appear more current. A Streetside feature that allows you to hold a key down to create a smooth forward motion is nice, but there are limitations on how far ahead you can move, and sometimes it just refuses to activate.

Still, Bing Maps does not use the same miserable shortcuts Google serves up. Redmond's satellite images also offer more clarity and the ability to see things from different angles. For more, at least.

An Android version could be a game-changer; Google Play already offers TomTom and Mapquest; Bing should be a no-brainer.

Of course, Microsoft does not have to worry about Bing Maps availability on the Android platform when it will be front and center on its own Surface Phone. But there I go again about this imaginary device. In the meantime, check it out for yourself.

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