Last October 26, Microsoft (News - Alert) launched Windows 8. That day marked the launch of a completely new Windows experience, but it also allowed people to experience Bing in a brand new way. The Bing app suite, which includes Finance, News, Maps, Sports, Travel and Weather, for Windows 8 provides something of interest for everyone looking to obtain real-time information through the click of a button.

On Monday, April 15, Microsoft presented a significant set of updates across the Bing app for Windows 8. It looks like a pretty big refresh, which is said to make it easier to customize and personalize each program to best suit a user’s needs.

Here’s what’s new:

• Users can now customize the Bing News app. Other than staying tuned to the latest news, it makes it possible for a user to “keep tabs on specific story categories, topics, or news sources …” Plus, it now supports RSS feeds and offline reading.
• Users can also personalize the Bing Maps app. In addition to pulling up a number of maps developed/published by Bing, it has made improvements to its driving, transit and walking directions, conveying local traffic information (now up to the minute), and specifying the areas where there is construction and accidents so one can avoid them – all while providing the best route plan possible.
• With the Bing Finance app, while users may monitor the world markets or make the most informed financial decisions, it “includes an updated watch-list, real-time U.S. stock updates and customizable interactive charts.”
• Bing Sports, as well as the best content from world of sports, includes scores and stats, with real-time updates. Users are now offered info on 29 additional sports leagues.
• The Bing Travel app has more travel content than before, as it explores multiple travel sites, ranging from Lonely Planet, to Frommer’s and Fodor’s. It also helps users book flights and hotels within the app.
• The Bing Weather app has always been a source for hourly, daily and 10-day forecasts, but now it has more fluid and comprehensive weather maps that indicate conditions in a number of cities and countries, as well as other atmospheric concepts and meteorological phenomena – all in a new set of categories, “[to include] satellite, temperature, precipitation, cloud cover and radar.” 

Microsoft has updated all six Bing Apps for Windows 8. Those who seek these updates can do the following on their PC or mobile device screen:

1. On the Start screen, tap or click “Store” to open the Windows Store.
2. Tap or click “Update.”

Otherwise, one can get them and other Windows Store apps by clicking here. Those who want to learn more about the Bing suite from Windows 8 can see this video.