Google Places' camera exposed in the convenience store wilds
By Thomas Ricker 
posted June 24th 2010 7:41AM
posted June 24th 2010 7:41AM
That right there friends, is a real life Google employee and his trusty camera capturing the internals of a fine New York City bodega. It's all part of a pilot launched back in April to photograph the insides of businesses for Google Places. The idea here is that by seeing the actual facilities, merchandise, layout, and decor Google can help consumers make a better decision about which businesses might best suit their particular needs. First our WiFi data and now the fetid bowels of our snack shops... oh Google, is there no data left that's sacred?
Good needs to add "Google Bathrooms".
Look I live in the city. And every now and then I have a terrible plumbing problem that cant wait. Now with google bathrooms I can find the nearest "safe" bathroom within walking distance. It also shows me pictures of the facilities and which stall is recommended most by users.
@Baconbits hopefully they'll turn off the caching feature.
Curious about their privacy policy in this case
Wish they would start doing this for public restrooms. Some of those are pretty bad.
/s
Apparently Google has been doing this in and around Sydney as well.
Is noone's wifi safe?!
Hooray for more efficient burglars!!
say it with me..."BO - DE - GA"
@chris2 "Hey, it's me, black-ass..."
You could sell this app to Costco members for $300...and they would buy it
Remind them to be sure to take in details of the security systems and where the camera are etc., enquiring minds need to know these things..
Awesome, now you can case the joint without leaving your crib!
I wanna see what that piece of paper says.
Anyone know what camera and lens he is using?
@cnaude I was there and it looked like an entry level Canon with the kit lens.
@cnaude But that was in his hand. Sorry I didn't catch the one on the tripod. He wasn't using it. He was carrying one separately.
@protolink And if anyone was wondering, this was captured while attempting to not die of dehydration while waiting in line for the Engadget Show. And what a show it was.
Ha ha good idea! But what next can we (Google) come take a look in your home? What's in your draws!!!
I heard Google Penis is in the works, at least that's what the guy who measured me said.
The photographer did say the service is still in the beginning stages and most of the photographs are for when the software is for "when the programmers have finished writing it." Most of the panoramas should be automatically stitched and posted though the "point of interest" shots would need selecting. He said some of the businesses he shot were in Dec'09 and none have been put up yet.
They'll do up to 12 panorama shots of the business. The guy was using a Canon, looked like a Rebel. I couldn't get an exact model but it was definitely a Canon. He also had a Manfrotto tripod. He used a fisheye lens for the panoramas and what looked like a kit lens for the normal "point of interest" shots. Sorry I couldn't get the exact make and model of the camera and lenses used. I was busy with some work at the time. Considering the quality of the Google streetview pictures when zooming around, it makes sense not to need any equipment that is too fancy.
Photog also used a phone equipped with a GPS. The custom GPS app generated a 3d barcode that lets Google know where the location was that was shot. Take a shot of the 3d barcode before and after each location shoot. This lets Google's custom software that automates the panoramas as well as whoever is selecting the shots know when each photoshoot begins and ends.
I can't wait until this hits real estate! Businesses should think twice too... Let Google come into your house and snap shots of all your stuff for industrious, and resourceful thieves to case without ever having to leave the comfort of their own home... SMART! :o\
I was there in the bodega when it happened. I forgot that I went in to buy something to drink; I was so excited. First thing I HAD to do was snap a few shots on my phone. Is it weird that Google makes me forget about my innate bodily desires (like thirst)?
OK I love GOOGLE I really do but trust me this will not end well, filming the inside of stores is just going to allow lowlife's to virtually "case the joint" to plan robberies etc. Sooner or later there is going to be a lawsuit against Google for this (whether or not it was agreed to) trust me you heard it here first!
This is good info for when I want to rob a shop!
I don't know...if this stuff isn't updated often it becomes kind of pointless. Its easier to drive down a street than it is to physically go into each and every shop.
I love Google, but for some reason this creeps me out.
My friends store here in San Jose had Google show up and photo their store. Probable a good idea for customers who want to know and expect to see before they show up.
What a brilliant way for people to plan robberies and such without having to first scope out the place
Hello Ms. Store Owner, I am from Google. May I take pictures of your women's changing room for Google Places?
Hurry up Google. I had to run errands last weekend the old fashion way...you know, by looking for shit! What an inconvenience!
This is awesome. Google is creating a virtual world of our world. Imagine searching for a place finding it in Earth, zooming to street level, then zooming into the buisness, restaurant, theather, etc and having a look around to get a feel for the place.
Oh, eh, that a very snaeky hidden tripod, the guy is deffinetly a pro ninja-spy.
hmm bad idea.
example given
" this looks like a good place to rob i wonder what the inside looks like...lets check google maps"
You should totally check out this german comedian knocking at the doors of local residents, claiming to work for "Google Home View" taking photos of everything inside the houses:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OMFBuHsKXb0