Mel Sampat, a program manager for Microsoft's Windows Mobile development team,
writes on the team's blog, "I especially recommend downloading the Mobile Search client above ... if you're a Windows Mobile developer. The app follows all the design guidelines and compatibility best practices that ensure it works on the widest range of devices. And it is written in managed code (C#). Seeing it work may help you improve the usability of your own applications, or inspire you to create something equally cool."
New features in Windows Live Mobile Search version 2.0 include, according to Microsoft:
Movie showtimes -- The application provides a listing of local movies, based on proximity, that even includes thumbnails of movie posters. It also includes movie ratings and directions to the theater.
Enhanced local data -- The application has improved restaurant listings, now providing star ratings and consumer reviews. Links provide a quick way to call any restaurant or get directions.
Better maps -- The application now provides hybrid maps in addition to street maps and aerial views. Performance can be improved by caching data to a memory card.
Directions -- The application now supports internal or external GPS devices and provides improved turn-by-turn navigation. It also receives traffic data from Traffic.com.
The updated application works on Windows Mobile 2003, Windows Mobile 5, and Windows Mobile 6. It can be downloaded for free by pointing a phone's Web browser at
wls.live.com. An FAQ is available
here.
In addition to the Windows Mobile client for Live Search client, clients are
also downloadable for J2ME (Java) phones and for Blackberry (beta). Unsupported phones, such as the iPhone, can use the service via their Web browsers, at
m.live.com.
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