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Bing Maps - Unbelievable tech demo

neiltc13

neiltc13

macrumors 68040
Original poster
May 27, 2006
3,128
28
Just stumbled across this video and thought I would share it here. I'm amazed with how far Microsoft has managed to come with Bing Maps and it's looking more and more like it is going to beat Google Maps. The video is seven minutes long, but well worth watching:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0TOqikZTBMY
 
He even mentions it as a "sim city" look. I like it. Seems like they are going after anther company. I really like the look prior to the sim city look. I like the way it moves around the screen. I am hoping it works this good when it does get to the end user this would be very nice!

And holy sh#t re: the ground level!!! WOW. And the video...

Edit: After watching it again...this is freaking way cool! Makes me wonder if this is why apple might be moving to bing? Hmmmm
 
Whoa!! The fluidity of the maps was crazy. The real-time augmented reality off of a 4G connection was awesome. I can't believe how far they've taken this. I'm blown away.
 
Very nice. I'd love to see Apple use this in iPhone/iPad.

Google Maps is dead [/*LTD*] :D
 
In the future we'll have "Augmented Reality" 3D glasses we can wear while shopping at WalMart that will turn those old, overweight shoppers in line in front of you into petite college coeds wearing cheerleadering outfits. Soon after becoming hugely popular, said glasses will be banned within the U.S. due to protest by "concerned Americans".
 
its all in silverlight. really nice.

bye, google map, another google stuff can go off my list.
 
clevin said:
its all in silverlight. really nice.

bye, google map, another google stuff can go off my list.
Click to expand...

I'm not shedding a tear for Google, either. Then again, I'm not that particular when it comes to map services. I do, in fact, like Bing for its bird's-eye view feature, which is a very nice touch.
 
*LTD* said:
I'm not shedding a tear for Google, either. Then again, I'm not that particular when it comes to map services. I do, in fact, like Bing for its bird's-eye view feature, which is a very nice touch.
Click to expand...

ZOMG, LTD said a nice thing about Microsoft!
 
*LTD* said:
I'm not shedding a tear for Google, either. Then again, I'm not that particular when it comes to map services. I do, in fact, like Bing for its bird's-eye view feature, which is a very nice touch.
Click to expand...

Google maps has added a 'bird's-eye' type feature. VERY limited though...only around the south and east San Francisco Bay Area. BUT the application of this technology is light years ahead of MS...you never see an edge of the aerial imagery like you do in Bing...just fluid panning across the entire landscape. And in this same respect, you can zoom-out in this mode to a far greater distance...I'd estimate a 15-20 mile wide zoom-out is available.

Click on the 'new' icon at the top right of the Google Maps page and click to enable "aerial imagery". There are also several other new items to try out too like a click and drag to zoom feature.

That being said...this demo was quite cool, but how many had second thoughts about the 'live' streaming video? It was just too perfect to be on the fly like that in my opinion. It just looked too exact. I mean, can GPS and a built-in compass in a phone provide such a specific location to what would have to be within inches...to make such a seamless view? I smell some fudging on the Live Team's part. :(

EDIT: Just noticed that Sacramento, Portland, OR and San Diego are also covered by Google Aerial. :)
 
A lot of people equate Microsoft with just operating systems, and perhaps some office apps.

Some also know MS has apps in cars (Ford Sync) and code in many standalone industrial and consumer devices, plus of course phones, players and game boxes.

Then there is all the R&D that most never see (alas). Stuff like Surface which did get commercialized, and other things like Courier which haven't yet.

MS does a lot of research, and some of it is available for viewing (unlike other more secretive companies). You can go here to Microsoft Research, choose the Our Research tab and read many documents online... plus download some interesting test software.
 
It's about time Google got some competition in what's basically a monopoly for them, and this looks more than worthy! :eek:
 
kdarling said:
A lot of people equate Microsoft with just operating systems, and perhaps some office apps.

Some also know MS has apps in cars (Ford Sync) and code in many standalone industrial and consumer devices, plus of course phones, players and game boxes.
Click to expand...

Don't forget Blue & Me, which Microsoft developed for Fiat and which is available on their Fiat and Alfa Romeo cars.
 
gregorsamsa said:
Yeah credit where it's due, Bing maps are quite something. FWIW, I'm also using Bing's search engine at least as much as Google these days.
Click to expand...

I can still say I am using google more then bing. A lot more. Haven't really caught on with bing yet.

However after watching this several times, this is pretty amazing stuff they are doing. I hope to see it come to light for the masses soon!
 
As much as everyone bashes them, Microsoft does have some very very talented employees under their belt, this is a great evolution of current tech and I honestly hope this gets integrated into the iPhone in the Bing rumours are true.
 
Schtumple said:
As much as everyone bashes them, Microsoft does have some very very talented employees under their belt, this is a great evolution of current tech and I honestly hope this gets integrated into the iPhone in the Bing rumours are true.
Click to expand...
We do not bash Microsoft's employees. We bash its products. If Microsoft produced good products, then we would not even bash Steve Ballmer. We would consider his antics to be charming. Because Microsoft products suck, we call him "Monkey Boy."
 
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