Thursday, 24 April 2025
27.6 C
Singapore
31 C
Thailand
19 C
Indonesia
29.1 C
Philippines

Google introduces major updates to Maps, Street View, and Earth with a time travel feature

Google updates Maps, Street View, and Earth, adding historical imagery, expanded Street View coverage, and clearer satellite views with AI enhancements.

Google has rolled out several exciting updates to its popular mapping tools—Google Maps, Street View, and Google Earth. These updates introduce features that will improve your experience and make navigating and exploring the world more immersive. Whether you’re keen to see how your local area has changed or want a clearer view of satellite imagery, these new tools bring many benefits.

Time travel with historical imagery in Google Earth

One of Google Earth’s standout features is the addition of historical imagery, which allows you to explore how locations have changed over the years. Some cities now feature imagery dating back as far as 80 years, providing a detailed look at historical changes. Previously, this feature was only available in the paid version, Google Earth Pro, but it’s now accessible to all users across web and mobile platforms.

Stafford Marquardt, a senior product manager at Google Maps, described the potential of this feature, saying, “Perhaps you want to travel back in time and see what your neighbourhood looked like decades ago. Or you might be curious to understand how forests have been impacted by human activity and climate change.”

This new feature includes cities such as London, Berlin, Warsaw, and Paris, where you can view how urban landscapes have evolved since the 1930s. With the ability to explore past satellite images, it’s now possible to see the transformation of city skylines, natural environments, and infrastructure over time.

More Street View coverage across the globe

In addition to Google Earth, Google Maps has seen a significant expansion in its Street View imagery. Street View now covers over 80 countries, with some nations getting these detailed images for the first time. Google plans to expand this further, adding Street View in more regions.

Google’s recent blog post highlighted examples from Iceland, New Zealand, Brazil, Mexico, Tasmania, Japan, Denmark, and France. This latest expansion represents one of the biggest updates since Street View’s launch in 2007. As a result, the number of total Street View images now exceeds a staggering 280 billion.

These enhanced images will give you a more detailed view of the places you’re exploring, whether you’re planning a trip or simply curious about a location worldwide. This update makes it easier to explore new places, check out local areas before visiting, or reminisce about a place you’ve been.

Alongside the expansion of Street View, Google has improved the satellite imagery available in both Google Maps and Google Earth. Using artificial intelligence, Google has introduced new cloud removal tools that deliver sharper, clearer images than ever before. This technology provides a “refreshed global mosaic,” offering a clearer and more accurate view of the Earth’s surface.

These updates allow users to enjoy more detailed and accurate images, whether they’re viewing urban environments, natural landscapes, or remote locations. The Cloud removal technology enhances visibility by clearing away obstructions, making the images more useful and visually appealing.

When can you expect these updates?

If you haven’t noticed these new features on your device yet, don’t worry—Google has confirmed that the updates are rolling out now and should be available soon. These improvements will enhance your experience across Google Maps, Street View, and Google Earth.

In other recent news, Google also upgraded its lane navigation feature for Android Auto users earlier this week, making navigation smoother and more intuitive.

Hot this week

Qualcomm unveils new Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 with high-end features for less

Qualcomm quietly unveils the Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 with high-end features and strong performance for next-gen smartphones at a lower price.

OpenAI introduces Flex processing to cut AI costs for slower tasks

OpenAI launches Flex processing, cutting AI usage costs by 50% for non-urgent tasks using o3 and o4-mini models with slower response times.

PlayStation Plus prices rise worldwide, including Singapore

PlayStation Plus subscription prices have increased worldwide, including Singapore, with changes affecting new and existing users.

YouTrip adds a Malaysian Ringgit wallet to help you save more on JB trips

YouTrip now lets you store MYR and offers free JB shuttles and cashback to celebrate, making your trips across the Causeway more rewarding.

ASUS introduces the first smart band with fingertip blood pressure and ECG tracking

ASUS launches VivoWatch 6 Aero, the first smart band with fingertip blood pressure and ECG tracking, powered by advanced health AI.

POCO launches entry-level C71 smartphone in Singapore with premium features

POCO launches the budget-friendly C71 smartphone in Singapore, offering premium design, enhanced cameras, and smooth performance at S$109.

NVIDIA uses AI to address climate, wildlife and disaster risks

NVIDIA’s AI tools support climate action, wildlife monitoring, and disaster risk mitigation, with uses spanning sea, land, sky and space.

Netflix raises subscription prices in Singapore again

Netflix again raises subscription prices in Singapore, with new rates for all plans and extra member slots.

GameMax unveils Blade Concept ATX case with bold design and powerful features

GameMax launches the Blade Concept ATX case, which features a striking blade design, RGB lighting, and support for high-end liquid-cooled PC builds.

Related Articles

Popular Categories