Another feather in Microsoft’s cap
It seems that Microsoft is becoming more and more capable of drawing leading brands to its Windows Phone 7 (WP7) OS – maybe as a result of the Nokia tie-up. Who knows? Anyway, the latest news is that Qype, which claims to play host to Europe’s largest number of consumer reviews, has done a deal with Redmond-based Microsoft. Crucially, the WP7 version of Qype’s mobile app will draw on Using Windows’ geo-location features (using Bing Maps), to help users find the best places nearest to them.This works across almost 1,000 different categories and gives users immediate access to Qype vouchers -which can be redeemed instantly.“A quarter of our reviews are posted via a mobile device and I’m looking forward to seeing that number grow through this partnership,” commented Ian Brotherston, Qype’s CEO.
“Qype has become an essential app for today’s smartphone user, and we’re delighted to be working with Microsoft to bring it to Windows 7 phones,” he added.
There are already versions of the Qype app for Apple’s iOS, Android, RIM and Nokia/Ovi. The company claims that Qype is one of the fastest-growing mobile experiences on the web.
It is already one of the most popular smartphone apps on the market with over one million downloads to date.
Frank Fischer, director for mobile communications with Microsoft in Germany, commented, “More and more smartphone users are accessing the web for local recommendations and Qype is leading the charge in this area.”
Exclusive to the WP7 version of the Qype app is the capability to enable users to track their friend’s check-ins on a location map; filter searches even further; and view important information and tips on the Windows Panaroma Screen.
Free to download, the app also makes it easy to write reviews or comments on-the-go; upload pictures or check-in to a place. Check-ins can also be published via Twitter and Facebook.
iconmobile – an international mobile marketing business – undertook the concept, design and development of the Windows 7 app for Qype.
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