Recently, Microsoft raised a few eyebrows by partnering with old rival Yahoo on the search and advertising front.

Now, Microsoft once again looks to blur the line between friend and foe with plans to introduce their first application for Google's Android platform. The application will offer a host of typical Bing features: image search, movies, maps, local news and driving directions.

Microsoft Flaunts Bing via Google App

It seems as if Microsoft is trying to purposely highlight functions that Google does not currently offer, while flaunting their features on an Android-based (Google) platform. Google Android is an operating system primarily used for mobile devices (such as smart phones).

In a company blog post, Andy Chu of Bing's mobile group explained the application in greater detail: "The app homepage features the Bing image of the day, complete with clickable hot spots that you can explore and discover related trivia."

Microsoft's application also makes traveling easier, says Chu. "The app... offers the flight information you are looking for, and shows you the departure, arrival and other relevant information, such as traffic, weather, news and hotels details." (Source: nytimes.com)

This is not the first time that Microsoft has introduced a downloadable application for a rival product. In 2009, it released apps for the Apple iPhone (another well-known Microsoft rival).

Free App Now Available

The Android application is currently available as a free download exclusive to Verizon customers in the Android Marketplace. Current plans call for it to be available for other devices and wireless carriers in the near future, but no specific date has been given. (Source: click2creation.com)