Today is a relatively slow day for the search engine industry. There has been no real mention of Google today, with the exception of an outstanding review of an upcoming Google product.
The Unofficial Google Weblog has a review up for the upcoming Google Earth map service. According to the unofficial blog, Google Earth is something to look forward too. The review indicates the world satellite map service will include the integration of Google Local and Google Maps services. Not only are these services included but Google Earth will also feature a planet-wide graphics update.
Image Courtesy Of The Unofficial Google Weblog
This will allow the entire globe to be rendered up to the medium detail setting… at least. Populated areas will be completely zoomable, with cars, trees, and people being visible. Other items highlighted by the review were the software’s control panel. This provides the user with the look and feel of an aircraft cockpit.
The Play Tour function was also discussed in the review. This gives people the ability to have Google Earth “travel” a set of coordinates determined by the user to give an idea of what the defined trip entails. A quote from the review gives users a tantalizing look at the soon to be available service:
This smooth and dizzying drive-through is utterly addictive, and I found myself running one route after another to experience the giddy immersion in Earth’s swoops and turns along its course.
One of the bigger gripes/concerns about Google Earth is the anticipation of a subscription fee. The reviewer feels a fee may dissuade others from using this promising service. If Google does plan on charging for Google Earth, perhaps they could include a free, less user features service as well.
Chris Richardson is a search engine writer and editor for Murdok. Visit Murdok for the latest search news.
