TechSpot - PC Technology News and Analysis

Google Earth puts a planet's worth of imagery and other geographic information right on your desktop.

Google Earth – Explore, Search and Discover

Want to know more about a specific location? Dive right in -- Google Earth combines satellite imagery, maps and the power of Google Search to put the world’s geographic information at your fingertips.

Fly from space to your neighborhood. Type in an address and zoom right in.

Search for schools, parks, restaurants, and hotels. Get driving directions.

Tilt and rotate the view to see 3D terrain and buildings.

Save and share your searches and favorites. Even add your own annotations.

Google Earth puts a planet's worth of imagery and other geographic information right on your desktop. View exotic locales like Maui and Paris as well as points of interest such as local restaurants, hospitals, schools, and more.

What's New:

* Release notes:Progress indicator for loading network links and models
* Real-time GPS tracking using NMEA (Plus, Pro and EC)
* Greatly improved performance for collada models (textured buildings)
* Tours can display balloons (Tools->Options... then \"Touring\" tab)
* Driving directions and touring allow a greater range for typed values
* Mac movie-maker supports many more compression formats

KML notes:
* Icon palettes are deprecated (no more root:// for the styles)
* Improved performance on network link hierarchies

Major fixes since last beta:
* Improved compatibility on shared memory architecture ATI graphics cards with older graphics card drivers
* Improved success rate of log in over unreliable connections
* Fixed offline mode in Pro
* Numerous GPS fixes (including GPX import)

Requirements:
· CPU: Pentium 3, 500Mhz
· System Memory (RAM): 128MB
· Hard Disk: 400MB free space
· Network Speed: 128 Kbits/sec
· Graphics Card: 3D-capable with 16MB of VRAM
· Screen: 1024x768, "16-bit High Color"