streetview
Latest
Google to loan Street View Trekker to third parties, build out Maps on the cheap
Are you a tourism board, non-profit, government agency, university or research organization? Google wants you to help add 360-degree imagery with its nifty Street View Trekker, through a brand-new loan program. If you get the nod from GOOG, you'll have a chance to roam the Earth with the company's human-mounted camera equipment. The Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau was tapped as the first volunteer -- the group is currently hard at work shooting popular attractions throughout the 50th state. Though the terms aren't entirely clear, we're willing to bet that Google's giving preference to bonafide orgs, rather than sending its pricey gear off with individuals. Still, if you've been dying to contribute to Maps, it never hurts to apply. To get started, just fill out the form at the source link below. Oh, and as you've probably already guessed, there's a 60-second video after the break, too.
Google Earth 7.1 for iOS now includes Street View
Google yesterday updated its Google Earth app for iOS to version 7.1.1. While previous updates to Google Earth have simply come with boring "performance improvements and bug fixes," this is an update actually worth exploring. You see, the latest iteration of Google Earth finally includes Street View. A post on the Google Maps blog reads: Have you ever wanted to take a tour of Stonehenge or retrace the steps of Christopher Columbus? With the addition of Street View to Google Earth for mobile devices, you can explore many sites from street level right on your mobile device. And with the new streamlined interface, a simple click of the Earth logo in top left will give you quick access to more information through layers like Panoramio Photos and Wikipedia. Just in case you decide to visit these places yourself, Google Earth's improved directions enable you to visualize step-by-step transit, walking and biking directions in full 3D. What's more, Google notes that the updated version of Google Earth for mobile is now available in more than 100 countries across the globe. The full changelog reads: Google Maps Street View: With Street View, you can explore the world at street level. Improved directions/search: Updated directions let you can visualize transit, walk, bike and drive directions in 3D while update search result list will let you browse search results quickly. Improved interface: Easily browse and enable different layers through use of new left hand panel. You can check out the update on iTunes over here.
Google Earth update brings Street View and streamlined interface to iOS
Google's taking the iOS version of its Earth mapping app up to 7.1. The update brings a few new features, including, most notably, the addition of its Street View imagery -- following a similar update to the Android version. Also on the docket are improved transit, walking and biking directions, which can be viewed in 3D. The interface has been streamlined too, with a number of informational layers like Wikipedia located under a handy Earth logo in the top left off the app. The release of 7.1 also marks the app's availability in more than 100 countries. More info on the update can be had in the source link below.
Watch how Google brought Street View to the Burj Khalifa (video)
Street View's fine for navigation, but we're sure plenty more people use it just for their armchair tourism. Google has now turned its attention to giving thrill-seekers a chance to gaze out from the top of Dubai's Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest building. Using Trekker backpacks and trolleys, it took the Googlers three days to capture the images from both the viewing gallery on the 124th floor and the window cleaning gantry on the 80th. Curious to experience some of that vertigo for yourself? Video's after the break.
Google Street View adds 1,001 new destinations, lets you explore from afar
The folks from Mountain View are constantly adding more and more features to Street View -- and, well, today's no exception. Via its Maps blog, Google announced that it's giving Street View a hefty boost by adding over 1,000 fresh destinations to the mix, noting that the idea is to make it "more comprehensive and useful for you." There's new imagery from places in Asia, Europe, Latin America, Canada and, of course, the US, allowing users to check out sites like the Seville Cathedral (Spain), Bosque de Chapultepec (Mexico), The Mark Twain House (USA) and many, many others. Google's highlighted some of these new destinations on its website, so pay the source link below a visit if you're interested in a quick, virtual tour around the world.
Audi hits up Inrix to add parking spot finder to Audi Connect dash systems
While there are smartphones apps that take some of the hassle out of finding parking, Audi's bringing similar time- and frustration-saving features to a different screen in your ride, through its Audi Connect infotainment systems. Announced at the Telematics Detroit conference, Audi is tapping Inrix's parking spot data so you can find car-friendly floor space from within its dashboard navigation platform. After telling the car where you want to go, you'll have the option to see parking info at the journey's end, including the nearest locations, operating hours, prices and real-time space availability, depending on what data is available from each garage. The sat-nav will also direct you straight to the entrance of the lot, and should you want to know what that entrance looks like, Google Street View will show you. Audi's new parking feature should start hitting Connect-equipped cars from today via an OTA update, so the "finding a space was a nightmare" excuse won't fly next time you're late. But don't worry, we won't tell anyone. Update: Turns out that Inrix gets its data from ParkMe, the makers of the app we link to in the first sentence, which explains why Audi's new feature is so similar.
Google Maps adds images for three historic parts of New York City (video)
While Google has practically blanketed New York City with eye-level imagery, few would doubt that there's still ground left to cover. The search giant is filling in some of those gaps with new Google Maps galleries for a trio of historic areas. A collaboration with Historypin lets the curious glimpse photos and videos of regions affected by Hurricane Sandy; those who want to visit the 9/11 Memorial, meanwhile, can see Street View panoramas of both the North and South pools. Google is also expanding its Street View coverage of Central Park to include its many legendary trails, not just the roadways. If you've been meaning to pay a virtual tribute to any of these three spots, they're waiting for you at the source links.
Google Trekker to put the Galapagos Islands on Street View, one tortoise at a time
Google's Street View Trekker has already captured some dramatic scenery in its young life, but we haven't seen it venture far beyond US borders. The company is making up for that in style through its recently completed image-gathering expedition to the Galapagos Islands. The visit will produce 360-degree shots of 10 representative areas chosen by the Charles Darwin Foundation and the Galapagos National Parks Directorate. There's more involved than just stunning Google Maps imagery, however: the panoramas will help document any threats to the local climate and wildlife. While we'll only see the results of the Galapagos trip later this year, it's good to know that they should help both humans and slow-moving reptiles in equal measure.
Google patent details augmented reality overlay for sat nav
Google's been granted a patent that puts quite a few of its favorite ideas together, namely Maps Navigation, Street View and augmented reality. The application describes a system combining garden variety GPS guidance with panoramic images, 3D models, full-motion video and even live feeds to enhance the route display -- all in the correct 3D driver's view perspective. The idea is to ease navigation by making your screen-view of the road more or less match your view in the windshield, but who knows? Maybe one day you may be able to drive without even looking outside.
Google Street View adds Hungary and Lesotho, hits 50-country milestone
If you've been taking far too many virtual road trips after employing the (unofficial) Street View Hyperlapse chauffeur, you may be running out of places to go next. Well, today Google has added Hungary and Lesotho (a country within South Africa) to the list of lands you can vicariously visit, which brings the total number of Street View-catalogued countries to 50. This being the "largest single update" since, well, the last big one, Google has also added "new and updated imagery for nearly 350,000 miles of roads across 14 countries," including more places of interest for its special collections, thanks to the Street View trike. So, why venture outdoors this lunchtime, when you can wander the streets of Budapest instead?
Google fined $190,000 in Germany for illegal WiFi snooping with Street View cars
Google's been taking heat for a number of years since its Street View cars were found to be pulling WiFi data, and the Hamburg Commissioner for Data Protection and Freedom of Information has today hit the search giant with a 145,000 euro fine (almost $190,000) for its indiscretions. You may not remember this specific case in Germany -- it was nearly three years ago that investigations began, after all -- but it has now come to a close with this fine and the ruling that El Goog illegally recorded personal data including emails, passwords and pictures, which have all reportedly been deleted. We know the company has enough cash to pay in full, so the ruling will likely make more of a dent to its image than its bank account.
Google Street View Hyperlapse animates your planned journey, shows the places you'll go
Taking Google's maps and Street View imagery, design firm Teehan+Lax Labs has moulded them into an unofficial time-lapse animation site. While there's some predetermined (and beautiful) routes offered up on the maker's site, you can also plug in your own favorite journeys from A to B -- perfect for reliving that milk run. If you're looking for something a little more aspirational, however, we've added a video of one of the lab's examples after the break.
Google Maps brings you to Everest, Kilimanjaro with all your toes intact
Living vicariously just got a bit more exciting. Google Maps had added some of the most famous (and highest) mountains in the world to Street View. The list includes Aconcagua, Kilimanjaro, Mount Elbrus and Everest Base Camp -- four members of the Seven Summits, letting you explore some of the of the highest points on Earth without the aide of a breathing apparatus. According to Google, the shots were captured with the help of a tripod and a fish-eye-sporting digital camera. All of the aforementioned mountains can be reached in the source link below -- or with the assistance of a good support team.
Google ends Street View litigation in the US, agrees to destroy collected data and pay $7 million fine
Google's long found itself in hot water where its Street View mapping practices are concerned, running afoul of authorities both in the US and abroad since 2010. But as of today, the search giant's putting an end to its domestic legal woes, agreeing to dole out $7 million to the 37 states and District of Columbia involved in the litigation. In addition, the company's pledged to destroy all of the user information (passwords, emails, etc.) it's thus far collected from unsecured networks -- unlawful snooping it claims was carried out by a "rogue engineer." Google admits to fumbling its dedication to user privacy in this one area and, as part of the settlement, has committed to not only educating its employees on best privacy practices, but to also launch a consumer outreach program addressing these same issues. So, for now, consider this case closed... in the US. Its troubles across the pond are another matter.
Google Street View reveals Bulgarian imagery, expands Russian and UK sites
Though Bulgaria mightn't be your first choice for a relaxing holiday, fresh imagery from Google may change your tune -- or at least give you a chance to experience it vicariously. Mountain View just added that nation for the first time to its Street View rolls, bringing major cities like Sofia and Varna along with attractions like the Black Sea coastline, the Architectural Museum Reserve Tsarevets and the Borovets ski resort, to name a few. In addition, Google added over 200 new Russian locales like 2014 Winter Olympics site Sochi and the Golden Abode of Buddha Shakyamun in the Republic of Kalmykia. Lastly, virtual travelers will get to enjoy new photos from the Scottish coastline, East Anglia and parts of South Wales along with refreshed imagery from major cities like Manchester, Glasgow and London. For more, grab a spot of Earl Grey (or Russian) tea and hit the source.
Get Street Views in Apple Maps with a 99 cent app
If you haven't migrated to Google Maps on iOS because you're OK with Apple Maps but you miss Google Street View, here's a pretty easy solution. The US$0.99 app Street View can give you those street views for your destination. Apple allows the launch of third-party apps from the Maps app for things like getting transportation maps. That bit of leeway allows other apps to take advantage of that functionality, so the developers at FutureTap have made it all work. It's not seamless, but it is easy. When you are ready to route to your destination, hit the routing arrow at the upper left in Apple Maps. That will allow you to select the Street Maps app when you select the transportation icon, and you'll see a 360-degree view of your destination if there is one available. When done, tap the maps icon and you're back to Apple Maps and ready to navigate. %Gallery-179514% Of course the Google Maps iOS app has this feature built in, and some other third-party navigation apps like Navigon build in the Google Street Maps too. But using the Street View App gets you the same feature using Apple Maps. Actually, for my travels in the southwest United States, Apple Maps has been just fine, and I like the integration with Siri and my contacts list. With the addition of Google Street Views, I feel Apple Maps is pretty much complete. The app is universal, and requires iOS 6 or greater. It is optimized to use the full screen on the iPhone 5.
Google Maps with Street View now live on Nintendo's Wii U eShop
This morning's Nintendo Direct was all about the games, specifically those starring the likes of Luigi. But inbetween news of DLC updates, Nintendo's Bill Trinen made casual mention of Google Maps with Street View availability for North American Wii U owners. To recap, the service -- which is free-to-download right now on the eShop -- brings the GMaps you know and love to the widescreen and the GamePad, as well. What's still unknown, however, is whether or not Nintendo intends to eventually charge users for access to the app's Panorama View-like feature, much like the company plans to do in Japan later this summer.
Google Maps with Street View arrives on Nintendo Wii U in Japan, free for a limited time
True to Iwata-san's word, Google Maps with Street View is indeed making its way to the Nintendo Wii U this month. Word of the mapping service's impending arrival first came this past December, but at the time, no mention was made of availability outside of a vague January 2013 launch. As we learned later however, it was pushed back another month but Wii Street U Powered by Google is live in Japan, and will be free through the end of May. After that, there will be a fee for access to the service's Panorama View-like feature, which leverages the GamePad for 360-degree perspectives. Of course, you can also peruse both plain and Street View maps from the TV, but that kind of diminishes the gimmicky point of the second screen controller. (Also, you could just use a laptop, tablet or phone for Google Maps -- just sayin'.) There's no word on US release plans or potential pricing, but it's worth noting the TVii app that's free here carries a nominal 100 yen charge in Japan. Hit the source link for an interview with the team behind bringing the app to the console.
Google delivers Grand Canyon panoramas to less-than-patient tourists
Google must take as long to sift through vacation photos as everyone else. A few months after it sent its Trekker cameras to sweep the Grand Canyon, the resulting panoramas are at last showing on Google Maps. The expansion gives us 360-degree views from paths spanning roughly 75 miles, including tougher routes like the South Kaibab Trail. The views won't fully convey the majesty of standing on the canyon's edge, but they're quicker than booking a hiking expedition in Arizona -- and certainly easier on the legs.
Google Maps and TiVo integration on Nintendo Wii U delayed beyond January
Nintendo's Wii U was supposed to get TVii when the console launched back in late November. That did not happen. Then, when it did launch in late December, two key features were missing: TiVo and Netflix. Despite insistence that the former would arrive in January 2013, Nintendo tells us that both are delayed beyond January to an unknown point in "early 2013." The company specifically notes that said integration is planned for the United States. Google Maps and Street View, custom-tailored for the Wii U's tablet-like GamePad, were also given a January 2013 launch window when we first heard back in early December that they were headed to the Wii U. As it turns out, those are also delayed, albeit to a more precise "first quarter of 2013." This news comes on the heels of below expectation Wii U console sales, and word of not one, but two console updates coming later this year aimed at optimizing the hardware -- an issue we struggled with during our review of the console last year. Update: Nintendo added the following statements: "Mr. Iwata recently confirmed that NCL [Nintendo Company Limited] will delay the release date of Wii Street U in Japan from late January to mid-February to spend some more time on final development work. As NOA announced in a Nintendo Direct on 12/5/2012, Wii Street U will be available for download from the Nintendo eShop in the United States in the first quarter of 2013." Per Netflix / TiVo: "Further integration with Netflix subscriptions and TiVo are expected in early 2013 in the United States."
