Microsoft Virtual Earth 3D vs. Google Earth

Google has created many interesting programs and Google Earth is definitely one of them. But it seems Microsoft has an answer - Microsoft Virtual Earth 3D.

Microsoft Virtual Earth 3D is better in some regards than Google Earth, and worse in others. Virtual Earth 3D is visually definitely very impressive. Running directly in the browser Microsoft currently feature 15 cities (like Seattle, Boston, Atlanta and San Francisco) in 3D, but not the Google Earth type 3D, fully texture mapped 3D direct from the server. Virtual Earth's building detail is a lot finer than Google Earth's (see videos). When it comes to touring abilities Virtual Earth is better, but when it comes to search and other functionalities (saved searches, various layers, flexible interface...), Google wins.

In general, Google Earth, especially the pro version, is still more mature than Microsoft Virtual Earth, which is still in beta. But the competition is definitely something we users will get most out of it.

You can dowload and try Virtual Earth 3D here. (free download)

You can get Google Earth here.