Microsoft launches Windows Live Local with bird’s eye views of major cities among other improvements.
I know, I know, maps again, yawn. But this is something you ought to see: Windows Live Local’s got tons of super closeup photos taken from low-flying planes over major cities, including New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Boston, Seattle and Las Vegas. Being a total sucker for aerial photography I just burned a lot of time hovering over the streets of NYC. Oh, you want to view Lady Liberty from the south and not the west? Switch the angle with a click of a button.
Also, pushpins keep track of your places on a personalized scratch pad that persists over sessions, and emailable driving directions are available. My only beef? The name of this product gives no hint there’s a map involved. How about – and this is crazy, I know – Microsoft Maps?
It’s just an attempt from Microsoft to compete with Google Earth. Microsoft always refuses any superiority with any type of software from any party, to the extent that makes them go through lousy battles.