Virtual Earth 3D Beta Launched

Lord Satri writes "Microsoft has announced the launch of Virtual Earth 3D. There are numerous screenshots to be seen, as well as a Google Earth comparison from Spatially Adjusted. You can read the Google Earth Blog on why he thinks it's not a threat to Google. C|Net's coverage and the official press release provide lots of concrete details of the product. You can also read more from the development side or see the CBS report on Virtual Earth 3D. My main gripe: Windows and Internet Explorer 6/7 only. From the official press release: 'When people visit Live Search, type a query into the search box and click the "Maps" tab, they get their search results in a map context that offers the option to explore the area using two-dimensional views (aerial and bird's-eye) or three dimensional models with Virtual Earth 3D. This new technology compiles photographic images of cities and terrain to generate textured, photorealistic 3-D models with engineering level accuracy.'"

Re:Not a threat, but VERY cool

[Threni]

> p.And this doesn't even concern you a little bit?

I'm sure the picture shows him safely wearing his tin-foil hat, so, temporarily at least, the forces of evil can't access his plans for world domination...

Save yourself some time.

[El_Smack]

Just get the original blueprints from the Magratheans.

Opposite

[SuperKendall]

...another tool to help the terrorists!

Actually it's just the opposite - they'll spend a few years going through Active X installations and the configuration screens and it will keep them out of our hair.

Great idea!

[bcmm]

This new technology compiles photographic images of cities and terrain to generate textured, photorealistic 3-D models with engineering level accuracy.

I've been waiting AGES for something like this! Thank you Microsoft, for leading the way with new and innovative technology, yet again.

why?

[Yahweh Doesn't Exist]

so they're copying google 100% except that their version won't work on my mac.

oh my god, it hurts to think of all the wasted energy in reproducing something badly.

Re:Windows only

[aclarke]

Yeah, but we're the TOP 20%. And we won't let you forget that :-)

Re:Lost customer thread

[Hatta]

The fact that stuff like this comes out that requires Windows and IE is why I still run Windows and IE.

The fact that you still run Windows and IE is why stuff like this comes out that requires Windows and IE.

Re:Lost customer thread

[entrylevel]

<keanu>
Whoa.
</keanu>