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Clement Valla's Postcards from Google Earth blend 3D with 2D, look freaky
The satellite imagery used in Google Earth is captured in 2D. The terrain that it covers is rendered in 3D. Sometimes those disparate layers don't line up, and sometimes those results can be quite compelling. Artist Clement Valla has collected some of the most striking examples in an online gallery called "Postcards from Google Earth, Bridges." It's 60 images from around the virtual globe, pictures that are occasionally janky, occasionally boring, but often quite moving in a Salvador Dali sort of way. Our favorite is above, but feel free to share yours in comments below.
Google and NORAD's Santa tracker is another victory for terrorists
Google and NORAD should rethink their annual Santa tracking service. Do we really want the evil doers to know the exact whereabouts of Mr. Claus on Google Maps and Earth from any PC or smartphone? A man so old that he's ineligible for a driver's license in some states yet pilots a 353,000-ton missile around the globe at a rate of about 650 miles per second? For shame.
Google Earth 6 adds 3D trees and integrated Street View
It's not hard to love Google Earth: it's free, it gives great views of one of our top five favorite planets ever, and it's free. Now Google is adding in some new functionality to push the realism to the limit in Google Earth 6. Most importantly, Street View is getting seamless integration into your virtual travels, with the little yellow Pegman set right next to the navigation controls for placing any which where. Google has also "planted" millions of 3D trees to make the 3D building view a bit more realistic, and has a new easy-access method for pulling up historical imagery. It all sounds very exciting in theory, but the best part? Google Earth 6 is free, and you can download it right now to find out for yourself.
Google releases Google Earth 6 beta for Mac, introduces 3D trees
Google released Google Earth 6 beta for Mac, PC and Linux today. Google Earth 6 includes several beefed up features, including a better integration of Street View with Google Earth's 3D environment that lets users seamlessly navigate streets across the world. And speaking of 3D environments, perhaps the biggest (and most unexpected) feature of Google Earth 6 is the introduction of 3D trees. Yes, trees. The 3D trees (over 50 different species) are included in several parks, forests and neighborhoods from around the globe. According to the Google Earth blog, Google Earth 6 includes 80 million trees worldwide. No word yet on how Google has accurately placed the trees inside Earth, but if they can make a car that drives on its own, I'm betting they've adapted the GPS-enabled cameras from Street View cars to fit on squirrels' heads. Google Earth 6 beta is available now as a free download and requires Mac OS X 10.5.0 or later.
Google offers up Liquid Galaxy blueprint, make a panoramic Google Earth of your own
Not everyone has the wherewithal to purchase eight 55-inch HDTVs and a dedicated Linux server for each, but if we just described your corporate budget, Google's got everything else you need. The company just open-sourced the code, scripts and even the physical blueprint for its massive Liquid Galaxy rig late last week, letting folks buzz Google Earth natively across loads of screens. If you're ready to build your own, you'll find all that good stuff at our source link; if you first need a refresher course on why it's worth the dough, there's a lovely video after the break.
Google's Street View goes worldwide, Antarctica and all
Google's Street View still needs to add a lot more data on the lesser traveled roads of the world, but there's no denying that the virtual vacation assistant has evolved quite nicely since launching in May of 2007. Back then, only five US cities were programmed in; today, there are street-level views of locations on every single continent, including Antarctica (shown above, as if you couldn't tell). The additions of Ireland, Brazil and Penguinland allow Google to make the claim, and we couldn't be happier about it. Though, we still aren't canceling our scheduled reader meetup at McMurdo -- details coming soon!
Google Earth updated for iPhone 4 retina display, includes ocean topography
Google Earth for iOS, which was already one of the biggest "wow" apps on the iPhone (It's the Earth in your pants!), has received a huge update that adds support for the iPhone 4's gorgeous retina display, as well as new ocean topographies that will allow users to explore the underwater depths. You can see from the screenshot above that this adds an insane amount of detail to the textures and drawing space. Even this comically oversized screen grab can't convey how good this looks on a real iPhone 4, though. I highly suggest that you check it out for yourself. Google Earth is a universal application for iPhone, iPad and iPod touch; it is available in the App Store as a free download.
Google Earth 3.1 for iOS gets its ocean layer, Eric Schmidt's undersea base conspicuously absent
Google's recent addition of ocean layer content and ocean bathymetry (which, we were shocked to discover, had nothing to do with bathing) meant that Android users finally got access to underwater locales on the Google Earth. No need to feel left out anymore, iOS users -- Google Earth 3.1 for iPod Touch, iPad and the iPhone is finally yours as well, with over a hundred pictures and videos and native support for the Retina display. Check out the App Store to get started, or (if it's your wont) simply snap the QR code after the break.
Google Earth live flight tracking keeps anxious airport relatives posted in 3D
We've always enjoyed being able to see the little airplanes on our in-flight entertainment systems making their way to their destinations in real time, but have always wondered, what would it be like if those on the ground could share this small wonder with us? Flightwise has made our airborne fantasy a reality: type in the flight number, click the Google Earth button, and revel in a newfangled, kind of useful meta-stalking technique. Now please excuse us why we try to go flight simulate ourselves into some IRL airplanes.
New Google Earth for Android lets users tour New Kelp City, Mermalair, other underwater locales
When you're not spelling out Objectivist instructions or taking bicycle tours, Google Earth can be a little bit boring. Finally Android users have something new and fun to do: go for a dive. With the release of Google Earth for Android 1.1 (available to Android 2.1 and above devices), you can now zoom in below the surface of the waves and explore the majestic wonder of undersea trenches. The 1.1 release also brings in Flash support, so YouTube videos will play right within the app -- if you're running 2.2 and your device has been granted the appropriate plug-in. The new version is available now, and we have the big honkin' QR code you need right after the break.
Google Earth missive inscribed using GPS and 12,328 miles of dedication
Ah, the curious uses modern technology can be put to. Latest in our pantheon of heroically individualistic tech expression is Nick Newcomen, who took his car, his trusty GPS module, and a Qstarz BT-Q1000XT Bluetooth data logger and went road-trippin' through 30 different states. His goal? To inscribe a message to the Google Earth-viewing public, imploring them to "Read Ayn Rand." Rand herself might arguably have preferred it if Nick had used the railways to perform his transcontinental homage, but that's just nitpicking really. Skip past the break for a few videos from his journey.
Send Google Earth for a spin with this RFID Steampunk globe (video)
Some day in the not-too-distant alternate future, when we float through the air on water pressure rather than burning jet fuel, we'll need a reliable way to circumnavigate the world -- and the descendants of John Knight will step forward with this brilliant bronzed globe. The "Electromagnetic Geospacial Globe and Remote View with Obligatory Goggles" uses Touchatag's RFID system to direct your flying boat -- just plot a course by adjusting the brass arms, uncover your digital logbook, and Google Earth will give you a more slightly more accurate look at where you next adventure lies. See it in action after the break.
Google brings current weather conditions to Google Earth, confirms it is, indeed, still raining in Pittsburgh
Google's busted out Google Earth 5.2, and all you meteorology nuts are going to want to hear about this. The update includes current weather condition imaging such as rain and snow cover in the radar layar with the cloud cover view on. Now, we love seeing weather maps as much as the next guy, but we're also pretty bad at predicting what's going to happen next based on those images, so we'll just leave that to the pros for now. Either way, if you're lucky enough to live in the U.S. and some parts of Europe, that feature is currently available.
Google Earth comes to the iPad
Google has released version 3.0 of Google Earth for iOS which brings full iPad support. The iPad version sports an update UI that makes it easy to switch between layers and select from your My Maps that you have saved under your Google account. Version 3.0 also adds full-resolution imagery for the iPad and a much-needed roads layer. The iPad's large screen gives Google Earth a distinct advantage over using the app on the iPhone. Navigation and tilt are much easier to use and the app is much snappier overall. The large screen touch capabilities also makes it feel like you are holding a fully-interactive globe in your hands. The only feature I wish they would add is a "North-lock." It would be great if you could spin the Earth at a specific orientation without it rotating all over the place. Google Earth 3.0 for iPad, iPhone, and iPod touch is available for free in the App Store.
Enter to win Trip Journal 4.0 for the iPhone
iQapps has updated their app Trip Journal to version 4.0, and the new update adds a fair bit of functionality to the already pretty impressive set of trip recording and tagging features. As with previous versions, you can track pictures, notes, and maps of your trips, and communicate via a number of social networks and features with friends and family. The newest version allows for either manual or automatic waypointing as you travel around the world, multiple trip management, and hooks into social networks like Google Earth, Picasa, Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube, straight from the iPhone 3GS' GPS and video camera. The app is on sale for 99 cents right now, but it'll be back to the standard $2.99 price soon. We've got an even better deal, however -- iQapps has offered five download codes for us to give five lucky commenters on this post. Just leave a comment telling us where you'd like to travel to, and we'll choose five random winners after 48 hours to win the app for free. Here are the rules: Open to legal US residents of the 50 United States and the District of Columbia who are 18 and older. To enter leave a comment telling us where you'd like to travel with Trip Journal The comment must be left before March 11th, 11:59 PM Eastern Standard Time. You may enter only once. Five winners will be selected in a random drawing. Prizes: Promo Code for one copy of Trip Journal (Value: US$2.99) Click Here for complete Official Rules. Good luck to everyone who enters! %Gallery-87573%
Google Earth now available on Android 2.1
After a totally nonchalant, non-announcement type of showing by Erick Tseng at Eric Schmidt's MWC keynote last week (thanks to Phone Scoop for pointing that out), the Android version of Google Earth is now available in the Market for download to the Nexus One (and, in the future, "most" other devices running 2.1 or newer). Previously, it'd only been available as a mobile app on the iPhone -- a rare example of Google treating Apple's platform better than its own -- but with modern Android handsets getting extraordinarily speedy, it makes sense that they'd want to bring the graphics-intensive app home. It's not as useful as Google Maps in the strictest sense of the word, but with touch control (multitouch in particular), it's endlessly entertaining -- and assuming you've got an unlimited data plan and a few free megabytes of app storage space, it's probably a must-download.
Google exhibits Liquid Galaxy installation at TED, we toss back a Dramamine
You know you've wondered what Google Earth would look like across a curved, eight-display installation, and now your most stupendous dreams are a reality thanks to Liquid Galaxy. That's the moniker that's been given to Jason Holt's 20 percent project, which he's just now getting to showcase to the world at the TED conference in San Francisco. Reportedly, eight Linux machines are tied to the process, and he's able to fly through the digital skies via voice commands and sheer mental strength. Or maybe it's just voice commands. Head past the break for a cockpit view, but be sure to close one eye if you're prone to motion sickness. [Thanks, Camron]
Next-gen dashboards get Tegra 2, Moblin, Atom, we go hands-on
Intel Atom processors, capacitive touchscreens, NVIDIA Tegra 2 graphics, Moblin installs... sounds like a suite of hot next-gen ultra-portables, right? Think again. Those are just some of the technologies used in the dashboards of cars that will be appearing on showrooms in the coming months and years, dashes that were largely on display at CES -- minus the cars themselves, usually. There we were treated to mobile glimpses of Google Earth, Pandora, and Slacker Radio on the go, plus the ability to lock and unlock your car via Ye Olde Internets. It's the future, and it's coming soon, so click on through already and get a sneak peek.
Google launches Google Energy, hoping to bring more green energy to its datacenters
Of all the truly monumental advancements to human civilization that Google has provided for this great world, like enabling cached offline access to Gmail in Android devices, the company has done some nasty stuff too. Its worst offense (that we know about) is surely the massive drain on the nation's energy resources its data centers pull, but it's working to put things right, most recently with last month's formation of Google Energy, a spin-off that, Google hopes, will allow the company to more actively participate in national energy markets, purchasing more from renewables and thus funding greater innovation in that space. Sounds nice, but we think it's just a cover; the Googs will surely be releasing a contract-free personal power generator called the Deckard One in roughly 18 months, undermining the entrenched utility companies and freeing us all from costly early disconnection fees. Whether or not those generators will support multitouch, however, remains to be seen. [Thanks, Amanda; image courtesy of How To Draw]
Audi teams up with NVIDIA for next-gen MMI replete with Google Earth, Vibrante entertainment system
As if NVIDIA hasn't been busy enough this year, what with its next generation Tegra chips and all, looks like the kids have inked a deal with Audi to supply the GPU for its new in-dash navigation and entertainment system. The 3G MMI system sports something called the Vibrante engine for dual zone entertainment (allowing different media on dash and backseat monitors), as well as Google Earth, 3D topography, real-time traffic reporting and navigation, iPod, SD card, USB memory stick support, and online video via the optional EDGE modem (funny, mums the word on handwriting recognition). This bad boy starts shipping with the Audi A8 in 2011, and moves on to all of the manufacturer's cars in the model year 2012. PR after the break.
