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Virtual Earth 3D Beta Launched

Posted by ryuzaki0 on from the really-great-globe dept.

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.'"

8 of 188 comments (clear)

  1. Re:Not a threat, but VERY cool by Threni · · Score: 5, Funny

    > 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...

  2. Save yourself some time. by El_Smack · · Score: 2, Funny

    Just get the original blueprints from the Magratheans.

    --


    There are 01 kinds of cars in the world. The General Lee, and everything else.
  3. Opposite by SuperKendall · · Score: 4, Funny

    ...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.

    --
    "There is more worth loving than we have strength to love." - Brian Jay Stanley
  4. Great idea! by bcmm · · Score: 2, Funny
    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.
    --
    # cat /dev/mem | strings | grep -i llama
    Damn, my RAM is full of llamas.
  5. why? by Yahweh+Doesn't+Exist · · Score: 3, Funny

    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.

  6. Re:Windows only by aclarke · · Score: 2, Funny

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

    --

    www.clarke.ca
  7. Re:Lost customer thread by Hatta · · Score: 2, Funny

    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.

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    Give me Classic Slashdot or give me death!
  8. Re:Lost customer thread by entrylevel · · Score: 3, Funny


    Whoa.
    </keanu>

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    Karma: Incomprehensible (Mostly affected by posting at +5, reading at -1, and metamoderating everything unfair.)