Microsoft unveils Virtual Earth
26 July 2005
Microsoft has announced that it has launched an early version of its mapping software called MSN Virtual Earth.
The new program, available at www.virtualearth.msn.com, is designed to enable users to find satellite images of various addresses and locations and features navigation tools that pan and drag maps.
The software giant points out that, because the new software uses the Yellow Pages and White Pages directories for each location, users can search for and locate restaurants, hotels or other desired locations.
The new mapping tool is currently accurate within 250 meters of the user's location and Microsoft hopes that users will start to create their own features as the software develops.
Tom Baily, a director of marketing with Virtual Earth told The Seattle Times: "The real key for us is to deliver a really rich, immersive, local search experience that causes people not only to stop by, but really begin to use this in their day-to-day life."
The new program is designed to compete with similar mapping search software released by internet rival Google. Microsoft chairman Bill Gates fast-tracked the release of MSN Virtual Earth earlier this year after Google released its version.
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