Thursday, May 5, 2011

Walk Into A Business... On Your Web Browser!


So far, Google Maps and Google Earth have proven to be some of the most innovative tools out there for finding directions, searching a location, education, and general fun. When Google added "Street View" to those two services, it allowed the user to see first hand everything 360 degrees from a point on a road of their choosing, and jump from point to point, as if they were walking along the road.

Today, at the Social-Loco Conference in San Francisco, Marissa Mayer [Vice President of Google Maps & Location] announced a new feature that will allow users to see inside of local businesses and buildings from their browser as well, just like Street View! With the use of this technology, users will be able to look around inside of a local restaurant before going to eat there, or look around the inside of a business before a visit.

So, when can we expect this new feature?

It will be available in the United States, Australia, New Zealand, and Canada this coming week! It will be available in other countries in a month or so as well.