Bing iMessage Extension- Use GIFs, Share Location, Movie Cards & Restaurant Invite
April 12, 2017
Rajat Tyagi
Microsoft has released Bing iMessage Extension for iOS users. With Bing iMessage Extension, iPhone & iPad users can express & reply in GIFs, share their location/place, Movie cards, restaurants information in iMessage chat room while not leaving it.
Bing iMessage Extension- History & Facts
While Google is speeding up in every aspect, be it algorithm update or feature introduction on different platforms, Bing refuses to stay behind. You must have noticed that Bing either collaborates with Google to bring about a change in the digital marketing industry or they follow Google’s path to bring similar changes. The most interesting part is that Bing always prefers to add a magic twist to it.
Bing iMessage Extension is just what Bing has been doing all along. Instead of introducing their own messaging service, they have introduced messaging service in the form of an ‘extension’. Now, iPhone & iPad users will be able to express their feelings or participate in a chat without typing a single word. They can either use pictures, movie clippings, or GIFs to continue their conversations.
Sometimes back, Google chose to introduce a new messaging tool which seemed to be a challenge as the biggest search engine wanted its users to adopt a new technology all of a sudden. Bing, on the other hand, opts to reduce user’s effort by adding an extension to the technology they are already habitual to use on a day to day basis.
Who Can Use Bing iMessage Extension?
Bing iMessage extension for now it will be available to iPhone and iPad users. Many are considering it as one of the smartest moves, as you can chat with anybody and everybody, irrespective of the fact whether the other person has the feature on their iPhones or not. If you have the feature on your phone, go ahead and contact your friends and relatives through this today.
What is so Unique about Bing iMessage Extension?
Why one should use Bing’s latest iMessage Extension? Or, what are the advantages of Bing iMessage Extension? The ‘one party’ extension facility is a brilliant concept as:
- It will not impede you to chat with someone who does not have the extension.
- You may act as an ‘Innovator’, as you will initiate the Roger’s Innovation Adoption Curve while adopting this feature.
- It will also be good for Bing, as this will convince others to use the extensions.
For example: If person A has iMessage Extension in his/her iPhone, then, he/she can contact all friends and relatives (person B, C, D, E….Z) through the app. But, person B, C, D, E….Z will only be able to contact with person A without having the feature on their phones. Once, they start enjoying the feature and they are likely to want it, as it will enable them to contact everyone. Hence, they will be eager to install the app. In this way, person A will become an Innovator and Bing feature will gain popularity and more users.
Features of Bing iMessage Extension
Intuitive Interface
It has replaced the static and boring way of conversation by adding an intuitive interface. Here you can easily browse, select, insert and share text, photos, videos, and stickers, etc. Though several features are included in this app, it is still quite user-friendly.
Content Variety with Clarity
‘All in one’ app comprises various modes of dialogs such as text, GIFs, images and movies and places sharing feature. But every feature has been set with utmost clarity.
Fun Element
It is meant mainly for informal conversations. Fun factor has been added in a creative manner so that people will love to participate in the conversation.
Real Time Update
It allows the display of content in real time, even if more than two persons are using the app together for sharing, editing and enhancing the content.
Local Significance
It helps to sort places by distance within the chat box itself. This proves Bing is emphasizing on Local SEO.
However, do not confuse iMessage extensions with Google sitelink extensions. Sitelink extension is exclusively a part of AdWords that helps to showcase additional information in PPC ads. But, it has also been noticed that while sorting the distance and selecting a particular location in iMessage chat, they display the ratings, timings, address and phone numbers of the place. This look and feel may immediately remind you of sitelink extensions.
Also Read: Google Map Live Location
Bing iMessage vs Google Allo
You will be surprised to know that Bing’s iMessage extension is very similar to Google Allo, which was launched in September 2016. Though it is not an exact copied version, but the basic functionality of searching and sharing is the same.
Allo includes the Google Assistant to provide a platform to all smartphone users. The feature is popular for its ‘smart reply’ facility. The magic lies in its automated suggested messages. It is equipped to send messages without even manual typing.
Bing iMessage Extension is more about using stickers to have a conversation. Here, the message will not be sent automatically like Google Allo. Keep in mind, iMessage app or sometimes called sticker pack are messaging extension that helps people to converse and communicate with each other using stickers.
One more difference is that Google Allo feature is applicable for both Android and iOS users, but, Bing iMessage extension is only for iOS users.
How to Install Bing iMessage Extension?
If you are interested to use this new extension, then here is the detailed process. Follow below given steps to install and use Bing iMessage Extension:
- Use iOS 10 version in your iPhone
- Install the ‘Bing app’ in your phone
- Head into iMessage
- Enable the extension
- Tap on respective sections to start conversing normally with text or by using new forms of dialog such as GIFs and images
- Explore and share movies, restaurants, coffee shops and other attractions
Apparently, it seems like Bing app for iPhone is another entertainment platform, especially for the youngsters. But, if it’s features are studied and analyzed properly, you will understand that you can use it to run a successful digital marketing campaign. This can prove to be a brilliant tool for local SEO.