Mountain View, California. The user-favorite Google Maps is here to wow the world with a new feature that lets the user explore faraway places as though they are right next to you. Considering this update comes 15 years after the launch of Google Maps, the idea that it may be an element providing a glimpse into the Metaverse is taking over the world.
When Larry Page, the founder of Google, had a “far-fetched” idea to create Street View, this technology allowed users to see images of locations from the perspective of being there. This was created long before talk about online life moving to virtual worlds.
Metaverse is now a buzz in the tech world, as platforms such as Facebook have invested in VR to create unique realms that allow people to interact and engage with other players all around the world.
Google has a very interesting way of building cameras. It starts by using a video camera and sticking it out of their cars. Google is currently using these cameras to capture 360-degree images worldwide.
How the idea got rolling
In 2001, Google’s VP of Engineering made a bet with his colleagues that they could do something with the “Street View” technology. The idea was to allow users to be able to click on a location in the Maps app to view Street View with a virtual walkthrough.
Google Maps, one of the most popular mappings and navigation services in the world, has introduced a new interactive feature with Street View images. The immersive view uses artificial intelligence to create a rich digital model of the world.
Imagine the experience of being able to try out a new place before you buy your ticket! You’ll be able to experience what the restaurant is like, and the people around you, and even feel as if you’re there when you can’t physically be.
With a quick search, you can virtually soar over Westminster to see the neighborhood and stunning architecture of places like Big Ben close up.
Users will have the option of a 360-degree view when searching on Google by no later than this year. The first cities to get the new feature are Los Angeles, London, New York, San Francisco, and Tokyo.
Covering the distance towards metaverse
Street View has imagery from over 100 countries and territories, ranging from places like Mount Fuji and the Grand Canyon.
“I think that the metaverse, which is essentially the world we move into will be the most important storyteller of our lives,” said Google senior technical program manager Steven Silverman said.
Scores of companies are investing in building an interactive online world to compete with others. This world includes a game and a 3D meeting place.
Facebook renamed its company Meta to emphasize its virtual reality platform. They also opened Horizon World, video game demos in VR, that are open to the North American public.
Street View has imagery from over 100 countries and territories, ranging from places like Mount Fuji and the Grand Canyon.
“I think that the metaverse, which is essentially the world we move into will be the most important storyteller of our lives,” said Google senior technical program manager Steven Silverman said.
Scores of companies are investing in building an interactive online world to compete with others. This world includes a game and a 3D meeting place.
Facebook renamed its company Meta to emphasize its virtual reality platform. They also opened Horizon World, video game demos in VR, that are open to the North American public.
Sony and Lego’s Danish parent firm Inc. announced a $2 billion investment in US gaming powerhouse Epic Games for its work toward joining the metaverse vision for the internet’s future
Video games like Fortnite have already taken the first steps to virtual reality. They’re an interactive and social medium where gamers can come together and play.
Google Maps product director Ethan Russell praised the development that has come a long way from Page’s “far-fetched idea” and is optimistic to lay the foundations for a more immersive Google Maps experience.