MSN Virtual Earth Revealed

jeremyw writes "A day before its official launch, MSN Virtual Earth has gone live. MSN appears to have been inspired by Google Maps in this combination of local search and mapping. Virtual Earth introduces a number of interface enhancements to the now-familiar draggable aerial web map, such as the ability to zoom in using your mouse scroll wheel, and a Location Finder to determine your location to determine your real-world location "using Wi-Fi technology." Microsoft blogger Robert Scoble claims the site may not perform at full capacity until Monday."

Comments

Google Maps with the serial numbers filed off

[dachshund]

More or less says it all. It has some weaknesses-- the aerial photography isn't as good as Google's satellite photos, and it's missing altogether at the highest zoom level. Also some of the image tiles don't load, leaving me with big holes in the map. I'm sure that's something they'll smooth out. Perhaps the only improvement I see is the inclusion of street names on the aerial photography, which is pretty cool.

Otherwise it is Google maps. I'm really surprised they didn't make some kind of effort to distinguish themselves. It wouldn't have been that hard to borrow the nice features of Google without copying it so transparently. The downside of this approach is that it invites immediate and direct comparisons to Google, which is a more polished and cleaner product. Also, it hardly supports Microsoft's claims of constant innovation. (I can envision this being used against them next time MS makes an appeal to the public about how innovative they are.)

Re:Something odd about Ground Zero?

[NaruVonWilkins]

What the hell? This is just the old black and white USGS imagery? World Wind gives me this for free too, but with a better interface.