Subsequent to the update and introduction of new features of the US-Edition of Microsoft’s local search in mid October, the German version has recently been updated.

In August, with the introduction of Live Maps, Microsoft released a local search engine for Germany (see our post.) In this specialized German version, Microsoft works in collaboration with the local search engine suchen.de. Suchen.de is responsible for the provision of the address data for companies and services. The current update introduces two features, as Toni Pelg, Business Manager for Microsoft, details in a post in Windows Live Blog.

A so-called ‘mini map’ is now integrated in the zoom function of the map and satellite views. This small additional map can be opened or closed and enlarged by clicking the respective arrows. This is particularly useful with the ‘Bird’s Eye View’ option. Using the mini map, once can drag the window to another location and thereby retain one’s orientation. Here too, once can toggle between the Map View and Hybrid View options.

According to Toni Pelg, it is now possible to send links by e-mail of the Maps or Satellite views, or one can also display the alternatives as permalinks. This function is found under ‘Options’ in the menubar above the map. The aim of this function, says Pelg, is this: “Your friends can be easily and rapidly informed of your next meeting place. Or readers of your blog can easily click on a permalink to get an idea of your last neighborhood where you lived.”