Archive for the ‘Google’ Category

  • 18 Feb

    Posted by
    joesonic


    Category

    Virtual journey on the Transiberian Railway

    0

    The combination between Google Maps and YouTube allows you to make a virtual travel from Moscow to Vladivostok. The video is georeferenced and synchronized with the map. This feature allows you to navigate on the map an see the corresponding section in the video.

    Original text to the application:

    The great Trans Siberian Railway, the pride of Russia, goes across two continents, 12 regions and 87 cities. The joint project of Google and the Russian Railways lets you take a trip along the famous route and see Baikal, Khekhtsirsky range, Barguzin mountains, Yenisei river and many other picturesque places of Russia without leaving your house. During the trip, you can enjoy Russian classic literature, brilliant images and fascinating stories about the most attractive sites on the route. Let’s go!

    You can see this widget on : http://www.google.ru/intl/ru/landing/transsib/en.html

  • 17 Jan

    Posted by
    joesonic


    Category

    New delicious codenames for future Android versions

    0

    Google has decided to name different versions of Android according to sweet pastries. According to a recent interview by Erick Tseng Android’s next big interation will be known as FroYo. Froyo is the Short Term for “frozen yogurt” and another creative name in the Android version history:

    • Initial Version = Android 1.1 – Release Date: 10.02.2009
    • Cupcake = Android 1.5 – Release Date: 30.04.2009
    • Donut = Android 1.6 – Release Date: 15.09.2009
    • Eclair = Android 2.0/2.1 – Release Date: 26.10.2009/12.01.2010
    • Froyo = maybe Android 2.5 – Release Date: expected in April/May 2010

    So it will not be Flan for the “F” version of Android (alphabetical order), as most of you thought. So we will see when Froyo actually is officially released and what the “G” version of Android might be. Any suggestions for G? I think Android will success its sweet journey in 2010 at least until H. I think we will see a lot of usability improvements for the next versions.

    Bon Appetit!

  • 27 Nov

    Posted by
    joesonic


    Category

    How reliable are Directions (or Routes) in Google Maps?

    0

    Google Maps does not provide metadata about geographical data used for geocoding or routing. This could lead to some astonishment when the user see the routing results in Google Maps. For example a route from Hungary to Bulgaria will direct through Italy using ferry connections and lasting over 3000 km and 1 day and 15 hours. The reason for this behaviour is not well documented or presented to the user. Google Maps does not have routing relevant data (or the proper quality of data) for several countries. For example it is not possible to route in Serbia or Bulgaria. Therefore routes running through these countries will results in detours.

    gm_route

    An other interesting example is Moscow. Yon can calculate routes in Moscow but not in rural Russia. Google provides a document where all countries are listed and you can find out about their current map functionality.

  • 07 Sep

    Posted by
    joesonic


    Category

    How Japan understands Google StreetView :-)

    0

    With following video Google explains Japanese users how StreetView works. This advertising video focuses on the fact that Google blurrs out faces and car plates. Obviously Google uses a different marketing campain in East Asia.

    This video was embedded using the YouTuber plugin by Roy Tanck. Adobe Flash Player is required to view the video.

    [via GWB]

  • 30 Jan

    Posted by
    joesonic


    Category

    See the first Google Earth 5.0 Video

    0

    Recently the first Google Earth Video was published on Youtube. Unfortunately it in Italian. The release of version 5 is expected soon. One of the main new features will be Google Ocean.

    You can also watch it in HD.

    ge5

    As you can see in the image there is a new improved timeline to visualize geographical changes over time. The video also shows a function to record a movie sequence, which can be replayed.

  • 28 Nov

    Posted by
    joesonic


    Category

    Improved Map Interface for Google Maps

    0

    A new working experience with Google Maps – now harmonized with the Google Earth Navigation Interface.

    Finally there is a new way dealing with streetview, the old one was really cumbersome. Some new features are exlained through following video:

    You need to a flashplayer enabled browser to view this YouTube video

    maps.google.com

  • 15 Nov

    Posted by
    joesonic


    Category

    Rebuild Google Earth in your Browser

    1
    Is it possible to build a full functionality Google Earth site in your Browser using the Google Earth API?

    Since the Google Earth Plugin was introduced for all major Browsers it is possible to transfer Google Earth Navigation and part of the functionality to the Browser. After early problems with the plugin (browser compatibility, performance, etc.) I was surprised how well the plugin can be installed (with Firefox 3, without restarting the browser) and used.

    The Google Earth API allows to embed location relevant information in an 3D Environment similar to the concept of the Google Maps API. I assume the functionality will of the API would be extended as it was (is) the case with the Google Maps API. It can be assumed that there will be a full functionality Google Earth in the Browser soon, or there will be completely new combinations of data and functionality accomplished by the creativity of the geocommunity.

    One Example might be the work of themanticmapping.org with the Earth Atlas.

    If you be aware of other great applications or services using Google Earth API. pleas post them in the comments.

  • 09 Oct

    Posted by
    joesonic


    Category

    First satellite photo from the “Google” satellite appeared

    0


    As posted the new GeoEye-1 Satellite, which is sponsored by Google, has send the first satellite image of the earth. It shows the area of the Kutztown University in Pennsylvania, USA.

    The purpose of the Earth-Imaging-Satellite is to sell pictures for customers around the world. The full resolution will not be used because of legal issues. Google will use these images with a maximal resolution of 50cm/pixel.

    The GeoEye-1 proves the trend that Earth-Imaging-Satellites become more and more interesting for private companies not only for national agencies. For the year 2011 or 2012 it is planned to launch a further satellite, which allows resolutions of about 25 centimeters per pixel. The question is only who will use these data – and which (private) information can be retrieved.

  • 24 Sep

    Posted by
    joesonic


    Category

    Google’s G1 vs. Apple’s Iphone – Decide on features not on design

    1

    The first Andoid phone was officially announced by Google, HTC and T-mobile. There was not really a “WOW” effect during the presentation. The design is well known from the first Android presentations and the features could have been expected.

    Here a small list of facts:

    • Processor: Qualcomm® MSM7201A™, 528 MHz
    • Memory: 256 MB ROM, 192 MB RAM
    • Dimensions: (LxWxT) 117.7 mm x 55.7 mm x 17.1 mm
    • Weight: 158 grams (5.57 ounces) with battery
    • Display: 3.2-inch TFT-LCD flat touch-sensitive screen with 320 x 480 (HVGA) resolution
    • Network: HSDPA/WCDMA, Quad-band GSM/GPRS/EDGE
    • Device Control Trackball with Enter button
    • Keyboard: Slide-out 5-row QWERTY keyboard
    • GPS: GPS navigation capability with built-in GPS receiver and map software
    • Connectivity: Bluetooth® 2.0 with Enhanced Data Rate, Wi-Fi®: IEEE 802.11b/g, HTC ExtUSB™ (11-pin mini-USB 2.0 and audio jack in one)
    • Camera: 3.2 megapixel color camera with fixed focus
    • Audio: Built-in microphone and speaker
    • Battery: Rechargeable Lithium-ion battery, Capacity: 1150 mAh
    • Expansion Slot: microSD™ memory card (SD 2.0 compatible)
    • Special Features: Digital Compass, Motion Sensor

    Some Drawbacks:

    • No syncronisation possible with your PC
    • You have to provide your data to Google
    • No support for Microsoft Exchange Server
    • It is not possible to handle multiple Google Accounts
    • Except Youtube clips it is not possible to play other video formats.
    • No standard 2.5 inch earphone jack (only via USB).
    • No big internal storage.
    • Online music from Amazon can be downloaded only via WLAN and not via UMTS (3G).
    • Text can be entered only via the QERTY keyboard and not on the touch screen.

    But beside all this drawbacks the good thing is that Android is open-source and all software based drawbacks will be eliminated by the community soon.

  • 07 Sep

    Posted by
    joesonic


    Category

    “Google Satellite” Successfully Launched Into Space

    0

    I’ve already posted that Google together with GeoEye will launch a new Satellite for Google Earth and Google Maps images. The so called “GeoEye-1” satellite will take photos with a resolution of 0.41 cm / pixel. In the following pictures you can see the difference between a image with 100cm/px reolution and a picutre with 41cm/px.

    100cm/px

    41cm/px

    On the GeoEye Website you can watch the lauch of the satellity on video.

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