MSN Virtual Earth
Microsoft contacted me via e-mail and then, moments later, by phone to hype its new announcement: the announcement of MSN Virtual Earth, part of the company’s search tools. It “gives consumers a deeply immersive search experience where they see what it’s like to be in a location and explore what they can do there.” The discussion went on to note integrating many layers of data (weather, traffic, stores, etc. that have links for more information) including those generated by consumers. The data includes imagery and maps and allows for oblique viewing (45 degree angles). I found first images here. My first thought: Microsoft is nervous about Google’s moves with Google Maps and Keyhole. My second thought was that it’s very early in this “map portal local search” space, so its reasonable to expect many players to jump in until a winner emerges.
If you are skeptical about a clear winner emerging, consider that Wal-Mart conceded its mail out DVD program to Netflix after just a few months in businesses. If you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em.
