New Versions of Google Earth and Google Earth VR (with Oculus Rift Availability) Released

Two announcements From Google today.
1. New Versions of Google Earth for Web and Android Now Available

Today we’re introducing a brand-new version of Google Earth—on the web and Android—two years in the making.
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We’ve joined up with some of the world’s leading storytellers, scientists and nonprofits to bring the planet to life with Voyager, a showcase of interactive guided tours.
New Feature: Voyager
Start with Natural Treasures from BBC Earth, and journey to six habitats—from islands to mountains to jungles—and learn about the unique and thrilling wildlife in each. Then head to Gombe National Park in Tanzania and hear from Jane Goodall about her team’s chimpanzee research and conservation efforts. And make a stop in Mexico with Lola, one of 12 little monsters featured in Sesame Street’s Girl Muppets Around the World, and learn about modern Mayan cultures. With more than 50 immersive stories in Voyager, and more added weekly, there are lots of adventures to choose from.
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New Feature: “I’m Feeling Lucky”
Uncover hidden gems the world over with “I’m feeling lucky,” a new feature that takes you somewhere unexpected with the click of a button.
We’ve curated 20,000 different places, so roll the dice and see where the world takes you.
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Click the new 3D button to see any place from any angle. Swoop around the Grand Canyon and see geological layers, or check out the majestic architecture and pristine grounds of the 500-year-old Château de Chambord in the Loire Valley in France.
Availability
Get the new Google Earth now on the web in Chrome; on Android as it rolls out this week; and on iOS and other browsers in the near future. (Of course, you can still access and download Google Earth 7 for desktop.)

Learn More, Read the Complete Blog Post
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2. New Version of Google Earth VR Released (Incl. Oculus Rift Availability)

…today we’re launching an update to Earth VR that gives you the ability to search. Just type an address or location name, and you can quickly visit anywhere in the world.
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And today we’re bringing Earth VR to Oculus Rift with support for Oculus Touch controllers. It’s available now for free on Oculus Store and Steam.

Learn About More New Features in the Complete Blog Post

Filed under: News, Preservation