Bing Search adds math mode: solve equations by taking a picture

Having trouble finishing your math homework? Microsoft has a solution. The company recently updated its Bing for iOS app to include a new "math mode" that solves equations in a snap...literally. Snap a picture of the problem, give Bing a second or two to process it, and you'll be given the answer without any additional interaction. The feature is powered by Bing's Camera Intelligent Search technology.

The new feature has appeared in the Bing Search app's latest iOS update, where Microsoft explains that math mode enables users to "easily solve complex math problems by simply taking a photo." The folks over at Search Engine Land put the new feature to the test, finding that it is surprisingly rapid:

Math mode isn't limited to only simple algebra, instead also being capable of solving calculus and more advanced mathematics problems. To use it, iOS device owners simply launch the Bing Search app, then open the camera and tap the new math button located in the bottom menu between "Auto" and "Barcode."

The feature doesn't appear to be available on Android at this time; the Bing Search for Android app was last updated late last month, at which point it simply received bug fixes and speed improvements. It's reasonable to assume that Microsoft will soon bring the same feature to Android, but it's unclear at this time when it may happen.

SOURCE: Search Engine Land