Google Earth has been the go-to app for exploring the world for nearly a decade. The incredibly user-friendly Google feature offers users the ability to see practically any place around the globe that's accessible to the company's resources. This year, Google has amped up its innovative Google Earth service with the launch of a Google Earth VR version.
"Ten years ago, Google Earth began as an effort to help people everywhere explore our planet," the company said in a blog post. "And now, with more than two billion downloads, many have. Today, we are introducing Google Earth VR as our next step to help the world see the world. With Earth VR, you can fly over a city, stand at the top of the highest peaks, and even soar into space."
Digital Trends notes that Google Earth has not only showed users places they've always dreamed of visiting or getting directions to almost anywhere - it has also helped scientists and even law enforcement officials better visualize the planet, helping them discover ancient structures and locate illegal settlements. The app has also been used as a tool for surveillance. It has even become an arena for various conspiracy theories such as alleged secret military facilities, UFO sightings, and many more.
Now, Google Earth users will get to do even more with the app. According to Google, the Google Earth VR version comes with cinematic tours to such destinations as Manhattan, the Swiss Alps, the Amazon River, the Grand Canyon, and many others.
The Google Earth VR version can now be downloaded for free from the Steam Store. However, it is currently only being launched for the HTC Vive. The company says that the VR version will become available for other platforms in 2017.
Fortune reminds users that the Google Earth VR version will require some major computing power and will only be accessible via computers with high-end graphics cards, latest-generation processors, and other specialized hardware.
