Microsoft’s Bing adds Yelp to power local search

Microsoft logo – Reuters

SAN FRANCISCO: Microsoft’s Bing search engine tied up Thursday with the business review firm Yelp to power local search in a move countering similar offerings from Google and Apple.

The two companies said Yelp content including review snippets, photos, business attributes and more, will be featured as part of Bing search.

The announcement comes after Google said it was adding local restaurant reviews from Zagat in a revamped local search feature and Apple unveiled its own mapping service that can perform similar functions.

“Yelp has become the leading destination for local information and we’re thrilled that established brands like Bing recognize the value that Yelp communities bring to the local search experience,” said Jeremy Stoppelman, chief executive and co-founder of Yelp.

“We are excited to see how Bing fans respond to this new local search experience powered by Yelp.”

“Whether it’s discovering the right restaurant, planning the evening’s entertainment or finding local services, Yelp has emerged as a proven and trusted resource,” said Mike Nichols, general manager of Bing.