Update: Bing Maps App API and New Bing Apps

TechCrunch offers some key details which suggest that “everyone” (Google, Apple and Microsoft) have much of the same thinking in their DNA about maps and advertising.

The apps must be created in Silverlight 4, and there is an approval process before it appears in everyone’s Bing Map Apps gallery. Eventually, Microsoft will allow advertising in the apps as well and presumably will split revenues with the app creators. The apps which make it into the gallery will be showcased to all Bing Maps users.

Other enhancements for Bing Maps end-users are expected this week as well:

- Photosynths will have smoother transitions, removing the current “jerkiness”
- Bing Maps will include interior building maps (the next frontier according to some)
- Keying in a business address, will prompt a reverse lookup that lists the businesses at that location next to the map

- TechCrunch

—- original post 6/7/10——

Bing opened up the Bing Map App API to developers with the release of the Bing Map App Software Development Kit (SDK) at TechEd. Developers can create their own map apps built on top of Bing Maps and host them on bing.com/maps. Once developers create their Bing Map app, they’re encouraged to submit it to the King of Bing Maps Challenge. The challenge starts today and concludes on July 25, 2010.

Two mapping apps were also introduced:

WeatherBug: With WeatherBug, consumers can check weather around the world or select an observation station to see the current conditions. Observation stations are pinned to the map and consumers can layer Doppler and satellite weather imagery over the map view. Observation stations include National Weather Service locations, WeatherBug Backyard stations, and WeatherBug stations, which may include current and next day forecasts, camera images and links to radar imagery.

EveryScape Eats: With Everyscape Eats, consumers can not only read restaurant reviews and the menu, but they can actually “step inside” to see photos or a video tour of the restaurant interior.

- Bing Maps Blog via Microsoft PR