Microsoft aims for Google Earth
Interesting feature on Information Week concerning Microsofts move into Google Earth territory with their new 3d mapping.
“Microsoft said it will offer advertisers the ability to display ads within the maps with virtual billboards above buildings or on the side of roads. The company also said it expects developers to pay fees to use the maps.”
Conversation at Microsoft HQ:
Memo from Bill – Microsofts future will be driven by advertising revenue.
“I’ve got it… as we don’t own all the ad space in the world, lets build our own world where we do own it!”
“Yeah, that’s really wacky and original, we could call it, ‘second world’ or ‘microsoft earth’ or something.”
“Yeah, then we can be really innovative and sell… Billboards by the side of the roads…”
“..which will be really busy because all roads are, aren’t they.”
“Especially in virtual worlds…”
“That you can only visit if you’ve got Explorer…”
“That are really more maps than worlds…”
——————-
Call me a cynic, but…
A cynic… you?… too much lovejoy… quite possibly!
…Actually I think the MS maps are much more feature rich and better integrated than the free version of google earth/google maps, which, aside from securing more satelite images, has changed very little (save 3d versions of some cities) since it’s pre-google days as keyhole:
http://bbs.keyhole.com/ubb/showthreaded.php/Cat/0/Number/12563/an/0/page/6
Switching between 2d and 3d is a great edge… maybe there is a use for navigating in a 3d view after all - other than trying to locate area 51 or your neighbours car!
If you are championing a world of stagnant aquisitions and the google world of advertising space without a single competitor then fair enough…
I actually like the idea that other companies want to challenge google at the advertising game - however rubbish the ideas appear to be…
And at least I can see my new house from more than 6 different angles now!
http://local.live.com/?v=2&sp=Point.sg6vdmgzfph7_our new house!___ (ie only… not good!)
Rog
Fair points, I am all for someone taking on the might of Google in terms of advertising space, I just wish it wasn’t Microsoft. Two giants is almost as dull as one.
In terms of Acquisitions, i think it’s a totally relevant approach and has bought some great bits of functionality to the attention of a much greater number of users. That said, I do recognise the downside.
I do believe that the old R&D function has been largely ignored as it is replaced with buying up smaller creative companies who have the ideas and the mindset to come up with new uses for the technology. And this isn’t necessarily a bad thing.
I’d just like to see some other players in the market.
I think my bitter cynicism comes from being stuck on my MacBookPro with no way of taking advantage of the 3d wonders of Microsofts offering!