Google Maps Gets an Upgrade – This Week in Google Plus
It seems that Google not only continues pumping out new content for its users, but also continually adds to previous features every week. The Googleverse is ever-growing and this week is no exception.
New Google Plus Features
Google Maps Gets Multiple Upgrades
The big news this week in the world of Google, is the addition of 3D mapping to Google Maps:
Of course, Google is starting this process with only major cities, with the intention of having the 3D mapping update available for metropolitan areas encompassing over 300 million people by the end of the year.
Google Announces “Trekker”
Along with this new addition to Google Maps, Google has announced that they will also be adding a new feature to the map giant: Google Trekker. What Trekker allows is users to view not only street-views of roads, but off-road areas as well!
All the technology needed to capture the off-road data can be stored in a back pack, which the Google photographers will be wearing when they literally go off the beaten path and start giving us images of where we can explore off the roads Google has already mapped. But what is an online map of off-road areas if you cannot get access to the internet?
Well, Google has bypassed this dilemma by announcing they will soon of an offline Google Maps App available for Android users within the next few weeks! Word is still out on whether or not Apple users will have the same App available to them in the future, but this shift to offline maps will be a gigantic step further in the way we travel.
Google Plus News
Google Purchases Meebo
On Monday, the acquisition of the company Meebo by Google was made public.
Meebo is one of the leading internet companies providing a way to filter down the clutter of the internet to actively maintain a stream of information that is tailored to your interests. Google states that this process of giving users (as well as websites and advertisers) a more personal web experience will fit hand in hand with what Google Plus is striving to do. It will be interesting to see how Google adds the prospects of Meebo to their already growing social network.
Sprint’s New Phone Integrates Google Wallet
Sprint is about to release its newest phone, the Sprint Galaxy S III, on June 21st. The phone will be available to Sprint users for $200 for the 16GB version and $250 for the 32GB web-exclusive version. The fact that ties this release to the world of Google is that both versions will come Google Wallet ready!
For those of you who do not know, Google Wallet is an application that stores your credit/debit card information and allows you to use these cards at stores and online just by using the app. Essentially, to go out and purchase products, all you need to bring with you is your phone! Of course, this is only available in stores and websites that support Google Wallet, but that number is steadily increasing.
Project Glass – Revisited
Over the past few months, we have covered every new bit of information that Google has given us regarding Project Glass, but not much about the people behind it and their total vision of the new HUD glasses. Here is an article surrounding an interview with Steve Lee, the Project Glass lead product manager, telling the story of Project Glass and what the team strives to accomplish with this breakthrough technology. It gives the reader a little more of the “big” picture” behind everything that is going into Project Glass, and I cannot wait for more updates!
Those are the highlights from the past 7 days. See you all next week!
Happy plussing,
-Mark Gundersen
About Mark Gundersen
Current blogger for UpYourPlus; sharing the most up-to-date features and news surrounding the world of Google and social media with all Google Plus members.