Bing and Facebook - collaborating
Many Facebook users will have noticed that when they search within Facebook, 3 web results from Bing are presented below the usual Facebook stuff.
But this Facebook and Bing collaboration is not going to be a one-way street. What is interesting is the Facebook functionality that Bing is building into its search results.
People search results will be based on your network – so rather than get a bunch of strangers listed, your friends and friends of friends will show up first. What’s more you’ll see their profile photo and how many mutual friends you have and will be able to add them as friends straight from Bing.
When searching, say, for a local restaurant or the latest film, Bing results will show which of your friends have “Liked” it. What this means is that when you search, your friends will be giving you their recommendations right there and then!
Both these features will take a while to roll out, and will also rely on people allowing Bing to access their Facebook information. But it will be interesting to see how this develops – we’re at the beginnings of social search. Will this help Bing challenge Google’s dominance?
For more information see the Facebook Blog