Whenever someone compares Bing with Google, Bing Travel was one of the vertical in which Microsoft had a slight upper hand over Google. Bing Travel differentiates by offering predictions on when is the best time to purchase airline tickets. This flight price prediction technology was powered by Farecast, a technology that Microsoft acquired in 2008. Unlike any other travel Web site, Farecast saved online travel shoppers money with an airfare prediction for their specific trip. The company’s patented airfare prediction tool shows whether the lowest fares for their trip are rising or dropping. Farecast also provides expected price movements, historical prices and buying tips when customers search for flights. Farecast is the only travel Web site that uses a database of over 175 billion airfares to help consumers know when to buy and when they have found a good deal when shopping for travel. Microsoft has confirmed that they have ended this Farecast technology usage in Bing, “Bing is no longer offering Price Predictor, but remains committed to delivering a...

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