Microsoft’s Virtual Earth and Google Earth
The two software giants Microsoft and Google have planned similar products in the search space:
MSN Virtual Earth is an evolution of local search technology that gives consumers a deeply immersive search experience where they can easily find, discover, plan, and share what is important to them on the Web. Microsoft is now harnessing its extensive search and mapping assets to create an entirely new local search experience for consumers and businesses.
Google Earth combines satellite imagery, maps and the power of Google Search to put the world’s geographic information at your fingertips. The idea is simple. It’s a globe that sits inside your PC. You point and zoom to anyplace on the planet that you want to explore. Satellite images and local facts zoom into view. Tap into Google search to show local points of interest and facts. Zoom to a specific address to check out an apartment or hotel. View driving directions and even fly along your route.
I am not sure how useful will it be for the end customers other than the WOW factor that it will have but it’s too early for me to comment. Both these are open to limited audiences only, I will be looking forward to try these out.
