Microsoft's Bing already offers a pretty handy COVID-19 map, which lets users see the total number of cases around the world, as well as in their specific region, with some insights into how the pandemic has developed. Recently, Microsoft brought that map to Windows Search, making it easier to get to. Now, the search engine team has announced a couple of new tools revolving around the ongoing pandemic.
First, the company is now making its raw data related to the outbreak available to researchers and academic professionals on GitHub. This is the same data present in the aforementioned map, and it's updated daily with the latest numbers from organizations such as the World Health Organization and other national and local agencies. The data is updated on a daily basis, to ensure that it's consistent and accurate.
Another piece of news is the COVID-19 widget, which is also powered by the aforementioned map. It allows website owners and developers to embed the Bing-powered data map onto their website, with the ability to focus on a specific region depending on the target of the website itself. The widget can be found on GitHub, along with a set of instructions on how to configure it to show different kinds of data.
Finally, Bing is partnering with GoFundMe to help small businesses stay afloat during this time. Those with a Bing Places for Business account can set up a fundraiser to garner support from their community. Once the fundraiser is successfully created, it will show up on the business's local listing on Bing Places, making it easier for customers to know that the business needs help.
