Kolz Blog

Windows only: Microsoft follows up Google's beta release of Google Earth 4 with the Windows Live Virtual Earth 3D beta. This is a bit odd: there's a Virtual Earth download and installation which enables 3D map navigation at the Live.com web site - only using Internet Explorer 6 or 7. (Sorry, Firefoxers.) Right now only certain cities like Seattle, Boston, Atlanta and San Francisco have a 3D view available. As the TechCrunch blog points out, Virtual Earth's building detail is a lot finer than Google Earth's. See a full-on screenshot of San Fran in 3D after the jump. Click to enlarge: Also, Virtual Earth 3D reportedly incorporates billboards on buildings, but I haven't seen one yet (not for lack of trying; if your PC isn't brand spankin' new, this thing drags.) Virtual Earth 3D beta is a free download, Windows XP SP2 only. — Gina Trapani