TechBytes: Bing Maps Updated

Dec. 02, 3009— -- Microsoft has released a new version of Bing Maps, stepping up its battle with Google. It offers street level views, like Google Maps, but zooming is smoother. Bing Maps also offers a three-dimensional map of the cities it scans. Instead of just standing in front of a museum Bing users will be able to "walk" inside and check out the art. Anyone can add images to the map. There are also new apps that tack on tweets, traffic and other location specific information.

A new Web site makes it easy for movie lovers to find and share clips of their favorite films. Movieclips.com is launching with 12,000 clips from more than 1,000 movies produced by six major studios. There are clips from some newer movies as well as classics like "It's a Wonderful Life." Users can share the clips over services including Facebook, Twitter, and e-mail.

The iPhone already functions as a phone, media player, Web browser, GPS device and more, and now it also works as universal remote. A new accessory called Red Eye allows iPhone users to control their TV, cable box, DVD player and stereo. The iPhone sends signals to the Red Eye device which transmits infrared signals to other gadgets. Red Eye also works with the iPod touch and costs about $190.

A couple recently exchanged vows in what may be considered a traditional wedding ceremony in the era of social networking. Dana Hanna and his bride Tracy updated their Facebook and Twitter pages at the altar. Dana surprised Tracy and their guests by pulling out his phone, but knew she would ask for her phone too. On his Twitter page Dana wrote, "Standing at the altar with Tracy Page where just a second ago, she became my wife. gotta go, time to kiss my bride."