Monday, February 22, 2010

Google Earth now available for Android

(Cross-posted from Google LatLong)
As we hinted at last month, we knew Nexus One was going to be a great platform to showcase the rich (and technically demanding!) features of Google Earth. With a 1GHz processor, advanced 3D graphics, and Android 2.1, Nexus One packs a lot of performance in a thin package. Ever since we got our hands on one, we have been putting it through its paces, drawing complex scenes of 3D imagery, terrain, roads, and other layers, and Nexus One never misses a beat. Now that we have put the final touches on the app, we are happy to announce that the latest member of our family is ready for the world -- Google Earth for Android. This is our fastest mobile version of Google Earth yet, with a smooth framerate and a beautiful 800 x 480 screen.

With the release of Google Earth for Android, we are also introducing the Roads layer, a very popular feature of the desktop version of Google Earth. Now you can get a better sense of where you are with road labels drawn on top of the satellite imagery.


In addition, we have taken advantage of the integrated voice recognition capabilities of the Android platform to provide the best Google Earth experience yet -- a pocket globe that responds to your every command. Try speaking "Eiffel tower" or "best burrito Mission district of San Francisco." Maybe you're trying to find some nice lodging for an upcoming getaway to Lake Tahoe. Just say "romantic getaway Lake Tahoe." With Google Earth for Android, we have brought together the convenience of Google Search by voice with the power of Google Local Search to make it easier than ever to navigate the globe and find whatever you are looking for.



As with other versions of Google Earth, you can also browse photos, places, and local businesses, whether it is in your local community or on the far side of the globe. Click on an icon to see photos, videos, and read about prominent places in the world. You can easily customize your version of Google Earth to display the layers that most interest you.

In addition to Nexus One, Google Earth will be available in Android Market on most devices that have Android 2.1 or later versions. So as devices such as Droid get updated to Android 2.1, others will also be able to fly to the far reaches of the globe with a swipe of their finger.

Download Google Earth for Nexus One today by searching for Google Earth in the Android Market.


27 comments:

  1. why can't I get this on my Moto Cliq?

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  2. I dont know where to post it, but Simyo/KPN users in Spain do not see paid apps in android market.

    This happens since september last year.

    As I haven't found yet an official way to let Google know, I'm posting here for help. Only if you could do something ;)

    Thanks a lot!!

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  3. Don't say something is available for "Android" when it is only available for a single phone. You'll just confuse and anger your customers.

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  4. Great app for the Nexus One. Nice to have but not there to stay.

    Review: http://www.oetzitterd.nl/2010/google-earth-for-android/

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  5. Nice! Would like to be able to load KMZ/KML files on it though.

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  6. I can't believe this isn't available on the Droid. Really a disappointment.

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  7. @mkibrick

    I mean it does support Android 2.1, which is a beefed up better version of Android. Don't get mad at Google/Android, their pushing updates out faster than anyone else, get upset at your carrier and hardware manufacture for not keeping your device up to the latest version of android in a timely manner.

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  8. Not sure about other phones, but it works fine with a Droid running DroidMod 1.0...

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  9. I'm a little surprised that there is no layer for google buzz…

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  10. Does this version of GE have support for KML & KMZ?

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  11. Will it be available on the Symbian?

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  12. Ah, the joys of product fragmentation.

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  13. Can we have directions in Google earth? I know this duplicates what Navigation does, but here in UK we don't have Navigation support. Google earth can bridge the gap. Not that I have a car :P

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  14. they clearly state it's available for Android 2.1, not just the Nexus. So it's inaccurate to blame the author for that @mkibrick.
    Also, many carriers are rolling out updates (sprint) to their android phones to support 2.1. It is the responsibility of the carriers at this point to catch up.
    Just like you'd upgrade your flash player on your computer, they (the carrier) have to make it available for each device.

    Just tried the app out, looks very nice. I did manage to have it freeze on me though.

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  15. Great work guys. Next step, the flight simulator feature, with navigation ala the accelerometer (like in Speed Forge 3D). That would be sick!

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  16. its work on sciphone n19 (droid 1.5)?

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  17. Earth seems to freeze now and again. Please fix it

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  18. The problem with this app is the size.. its 23mb and my nexus one is already crunched for space.. Android developers need to resolve this and roll out Apps2sd as soon as possible.

    Because right now, I have weigh every app I download with Functionality being worth the MB's it consumes...

    I want to be able to download and delete apps not because I can't fit them on my phine but rather because I just dont like them.

    And its really hindering innovation, my ipod touch has 33 quality apps installed and it takes up 400MB.. I could only never dream of having that much storage space on the Nexus one.. This needs to happen soon, android developers could create beautiful games however they cannot because android users have made them aware that they will not put up with large apps.. its anti-innovation at this point

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  19. Its absolutely awesome! I love it!!

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  20. If only my Dell had a Google operating system!

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  21. downloaded app from Android Market on my rooted/mod Droid. Very Cool!!! did have it freeze on me a couple times. A close and reload brings right back and works again. Would also love to have it be able to load kmz/kml files!!!!

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  22. Thanks for your useful information, I read this and very appreciate. I want to be able to download and delete apps not because I can't fit them on my phine but rather because I just dont like them.

    quran

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  23. Great app. However due the insane file size I had to uninstall. I'll stick with Maps.

    It's a shame Google doesn't support App2SD.

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  24. thanks for this article and nice information

    http://mymobile-world.blogspot.com/

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