Microsoft Releases New Live Search for BlackBerry Beta

on 16 Oct 2007 06:26 PM

Microsoft announced the latest version of their Live Search for BlackBerry application today (read press release) and Kunjal Raheja from the Live Search Team was even kind enough to send the Crack Team an email to tell us about it directly:

Dear CrackBerry.com admins,

We've just announced a new version of the Live Search application for BlackBerry devices. This version has been completely re-engineered from the ground up including a new UI, simple network detection, GPS integration and a lot more!

You can download it by pointing your BlackBerry browser to: http://wls.live.com

Of course, since we've re-done the app, we haven't taken the Beta tag off...yet. =) We'd love to hear your feedback before we do so, at lsmobile@microsoft.com.

Sincerely,

The Live Search for Mobile Team

P.S. We love your site!

In order to install the application you'll need to be running a "newer" Berry featuring OS 4.0 or Greater. For some reason it took me THREE tries to install the application. The download failed twice, I was about to give up (it only supports the United States right now so I thought potentially my being in Canada was messing it up) but I gave it one more try and the third time was the charm and the application successfully was installed. I played with it for 30 minutes before making this post. I like it! Give it a try and post your opinions on the new version in the comments or in the CrackBerry forums.

Filed Under: News & Rumors;

20 Comments

Posted by Trevor Tuesday, Oct 16, 2007 1682 days ago

Just downloaded it a few minutes ago, but it looks like it has some potential. It would be even better if my device had GPS.

Posted by jamboree Tuesday, Oct 16, 2007 1682 days ago

I have a Sprint 7130e WITH GPS and it doesn't work with the built in GPS.

Sorry MS, but you've got to do better than that if you want to win in the marketplace.

Posted by mscooley Tuesday, Oct 16, 2007 1682 days ago

I downloaded an installed earlier today. As of now, my only problem is that the GPS interfacing isn't so good. Standing in the same location, BB Maps locked in on my location....LIVE only told me that my GPS location unavailable. Try again, Microsoft

Posted by BBFixer Tuesday, Oct 16, 2007 1682 days ago

On 3 attempts to install. Getting "download failed." When I click details I get "907 Invalid COD unable to import ZIP file"......gave up after 8 attempts. Oh well.

Posted by grorbek Sunday, Oct 28, 2007 1670 days ago

I have the same problem have figured it out. I am trying to download this in Europe.

Posted by gicutie Tuesday, Oct 16, 2007 1682 days ago

This program is so easy to use. Matter of fact I used it tonight to find a good Thai resturant in my area. And it did what I wanted it to do with no problem. This is a must have!

Posted by youhoo211 Tuesday, Oct 16, 2007 1682 days ago

So this isn't GPS just directions? What's special about that lol.

Posted by Anonymous Tuesday, Oct 16, 2007 1682 days ago

Installed it today on my 8800 and it is working well with the GPS.

Posted by sh00t3r Tuesday, Oct 16, 2007 1682 days ago

I tried mapping from my house to a college that's 90 minutes away. Live Search found the college without a problem but neglected to list a *required* left turn I would have to make. If I went by Live Search's directions I would have been more than 30 minutes off course and might never have found the destination. Luckily, Google Maps and InfoSpace get it right. I see *nothing* compelling about this program given that InfoSpace is tons better and even does audio turn by turn and a better job of integrating with the contact and phone apps. Plus, Live Search is only marginally faster than the older version. Google Maps is WAY faster and so is InfoSpace. I'll be deleting this app right away... The other two programs obviate ANY need or desire for this also-ran of a program. Oh yeah, and its maps also seem to list old cities that have been renamed/reincorporated. The "town" where I grew up is now part of a township, yet Live Search still labels it as a valid city, which is weird. No thanks, Microsoft -- if you're like me you'll stick with Google Maps and InfoSpace.

Posted by rajeev Wednesday, Oct 17, 2007 1681 days ago

im trying to download this on my curve, but it wont allow me..it says "the server is currently unable to handle your request due to a temporary overloading or maintenance of the server"..help please

Posted by JSB Wednesday, Oct 17, 2007 1681 days ago

Will the GPS work with Verizon Wireless?

Posted by calm_tiger Wednesday, Oct 17, 2007 1681 days ago

Same here on my 8800. url isn't working.

Posted by wafi Thursday, Oct 18, 2007 1681 days ago

So far working great, cept the features are a lil different from the ones advertised on the LIVE search web site, a lil less snazzy plus I cant find the weather appl on it, theres a pic of of the weather app on the web site but my guess is its not there in the actual Berry version.

Posted by LSMobile Thursday, Oct 18, 2007 1681 days ago

Hello all,

We've put together an FAQ from the issues we've been reading about. Please read it if you experience trouble downloading or using the application at:

http://wls-beta.members.winisp.net/bbfaq.htm

Posted by HoldHard Thursday, Oct 18, 2007 1680 days ago

No GPS capability on VZW so directions "From Here" doesn't work.... Nice for looking up stuff but you have to figure out how to get there on another GPS device..... All I can say is that when they announce VZNavigator, it had better be a free service as they won't get a nickel out of me for something that is built into the Blackberry by RIM and then crippled by VZW...

Posted by weeeza Thursday, Oct 18, 2007 1680 days ago

I installed it on my T-Mobile pearl but the connection won't work is there a certain configuration that I am supposed to do
please help

thanks

Posted by renegade37918 Friday, Oct 19, 2007 1679 days ago

Tight

Posted by mrchef23 Friday, Oct 19, 2007 1679 days ago

i..can't..get..past..the..gps..reciever..initialization..i'm..wit..verizon..and..i..have..the..8830..help.

Posted by thatdrewguy Saturday, Oct 20, 2007 1678 days ago

Easy download & install on 8800. Received gps and map zoomed to where I was located. Nice graphics & interface, will have to play with it more today.

Posted by hawg187 Sunday, Jun 29, 2008 1426 days ago

Unable to get any sound for turn by turn. Any suggestions?