Google Releases Google Earth 4 Beta, Upgrades Sketchup

Google has updated mapping service and released a new Beta 4 version for Google Earth with updated imagery and improved integration with Sketchup, the 3D design application. The new version comes with more user friendly interface design, along with easier navigation tools. The navigation bars, infact can be completely slid off the screen, giving you an enhanced full screen view, which is why they’re calling the design “more earth, less interface”. The aim is to show atleast 30% of the world’s population, a high resolution view of their buildings plus better view of nearly all cities as well as geographical landmarks. The upgraded Sketchup tool will enable users to construct 3D models of buildings on a virtual plot and send the photo realistic building back to Google. Google expects this feature to kick up a riot in the near future with real estate dealers and house hunters. Google Earth 4 beta is available for download at the Google Web site, and is free. Besides Windows, this version is also available for Linux and Mac OS X. Google lists the minimum configuration as a Pentium 3 500Mhz and 128MB RAM, but recommends a 3D-capable card with 32MB RAM and 512MB system memory for the new version. Download it here.