Google Earth has been around for a while, it has seen a number of interesting uses by organisations, companies and individuals. It has enabled the discovery of previously unknown archaeological sites and spawned amusing news stories about giant insects. Now the tech giant is promising a ‘brand new experience’ for users of Google Earth.
Few details have emerged so far about what the ‘new experience’ for Google Earth will entail. Google have sent invites to selected parties for an event set to line up with ‘Earth Day’ to play on an obvious theme. The event is set to take place on 18th April at the Whitney Museum of Art in New York.
Google launched a virtual reality (VR) version of Google Earth on Steam last year, which is currently only available for users of HTC Vive. Some analysts are predicting that the new version of Google Earth will support Google Daydream, which would seem to make sense is it is Google’s own platform. Bringing Google Earth to Daydream would also have advantages when it comes to promoting it as an educational tool, since the Daydream is a more affordable option that the HTC Vive.
The company previously said that support for other platforms was due to be added to Google Earth sometime this year, so it could well be that the new update will see users of Oculus Rift or Google Daydream also getting the ability to soar freely over the Grand Canyon or visit the Eiffel Tower.
As always, VRFocus will bring you further updates on Google Earth when they come in.