Motorola set to deploy Bing on Android handsets in China
updated 10:10 pm EST, Wed March 10, 2010
Service follows partnership with Microsoft
Through a partnership with Microsoft, Motorola is set to deploy Bing services on Android-based devices currently available in China. The announcement marks a unique push for Microsoft apps on a platform typically dominated by Google's utilities for search and maps. Customers will be able to access the new services through a dedicated bookmark and a search widget.
Motorola's motivation for choosing Bing is unclear, although the company claims it is working to enable users to "customize their devices and select their own search provider." The company recently announced a separate deal that will provide Baidu as an alternative to Google search. The move places distance between Motorola and Google's search services following the latter company's public conflict with the Chinese government.
Bing services are expected to be available in China sometime before the end of the month, preloaded onto new phones or added as an over-the-air update for existing handsets.
