What happens when Microsoft takes the Bing Knowledge repository and combines it with Wikipedia? You get a new app for Windows 8 called Bing Wikipedia Browser. It’s a brand new app in the Windows Store that gives you enhanced search capabilities and content recommendations. Let’s check it out.
Here’s what Microsoft says you get Bing Wikipedia Browser for Windows 8:
- Search and browse articles with comfort
- Explore related topics with the bottom recommendation bar
- Flip through all images in an article in high resolution
- Share interesting topics with your friends
We already have an official Wikipedia app in the Windows Store, so why do we need one from Microsoft? Few differences. The official Wikipedia app is certainly serviceable for your needs, but the Bing Wikipedia Browser has a few extra features and a level of polish you won’t find with the official app.
We’ll be using Bing Wikipedia Browser to access Wikipedia on our Surface 2 going forward. We’re big fans of how the app will show you related topics and related people using Bing, something you don't get with the official Wikipedia app. We also prefer the layout of scrolling vertically to read the Wikipedia articles. A handful of buttons in the upper right hand corner give you quick access to specific functions. You can browse the images in an entry, view the contents of the page, favorite the page and much more with those buttons.
Bing Wikipedia Browser for Windows 8 is a nice app for using Wikipedia. Download it today from the Windows Store (opens in new tab).
Thanks for the tip Fahmi!
