Google Earth, Google’s other mapping application, received a solid update this afternoon to version 7.1.1. After the update, you will be able to drop all of the way down into Street View, use improved directions (better visuals) and search (quicker), and navigate the app more easily thanks to a slideout navigation menu from the left side.

I have to admit that it has been years since I played around with Google Earth. I don’t know if it’s from this update or what, but it has come a long way. It always used to be so clunky and irrelevant, however, I could see myself diving into some Earthy details from time to time now that it works this well. 

During today’s Google presentation on the Next Dimension of Maps, the company unveiled the next step for Google Earth – complete 3D renderings across the globe. Of course, such things do take time and Google will take baby steps in making this feature a true reality. As we saw in the presentation, the entire area of San Francisco has been mapped in complete 3D scale and it looks phenomenal. No exact time was given on when regular users will see the introduction, so we’ll keep our eyes open. 

Google pinged us this morning to let us know about a Google Maps press event that they are hosting next Wednesday. As you can see from the invite, they plan to show us the “Next Dimension” of Maps, but it’s anyone’s guess as to exactly what that means. Further details in the invite mention their “newest technology” and a sneak peak at features that will help people continue to get where they are going, both “physically and virtually”:

…give you a behind-the-scenes look at Google Maps and share our vision. We’ll also demo some of the newest technology and provide a sneak peek at upcoming features that will help people get where they want to go – both physically and virtually.

The timing of this couldn’t be better as Apple is holding their developer conference, WWDC, the following week. Rumors have pegged Apple as having created their own map offering to compete with Google’s and that it would be unveiled during this conference.

Any guesses on what could be new in Maps?

Google Earth has received a lovely update today, which includes a nice selection of new layers and added stability. The new layers include real-time flights, real-time earthquakes and more. Users can now also share their current views with friends and family through applications such as Google+ and Facebook. If you’re still using Google Earth, then you will definitely want to go see what’s new.

Play Link

Cheers Derek and Steve!

Google Earth was updated today and now fully supports Honeycomb tablets.  A new action bar has been introduced along with 3D buildings, an option to “fly” to your destination, and new layers that include Wikipedia, Places and Panoramio Photos.  Yep, G-Earth just got Honey-pimped.   

Google Earth received a nice update today which allows you to dive deep into the oceans of the world and see vast crevasses which will blow your mind!  OK, that might be a stretch, but it’s still pretty cool to know that you can zoom in next to Bermuda, hit the little eyeball button and check out all of the sunken pirate ships that mysteriously vanished in the Triangle.  OK, again, pushing it, but the overall idea is still pretty entertaining.

Still free in the market.

Download:

Download Link

Source:  Google Mobile Blog

For whatever reason, Google Earth was pulled from the Market of most Motorola Droid users who updated to the official 2.1 both manually and OTA.  We still haven’t heard exactly why this happened, but we’ll assume that Google must have some good reasoning behind it.  Many of our readers reported being able to see Google Earth initially after updating and within a few days, noticed it had disappeared.  Weird right?  Fortunately, we still have the 2.0.1 version that we made available a few months ago and it works flawlessly on the 2.1 update!

Download: google_earth.apk (alt link)  (alt link2)

Thanks to everyone who tested this!

wasn’t that nice of google to release google earth yesterday to all 2.1 users?  all i have to say is, “nice try big g.” this is android we’re talking about remember?  did you really think that this community of android machines and amazing developers would not conquer all?  well it has.  again!

instructions for installation…

1.  go into settings -> applications and check the “unknown sources” box.
2.  make sure you have “astro file manager” installed on your phone.
2.  visit this post from your phone’s browser.
3.  tap and download this file onto your phone:  google_earth.apk  (alt link) (alt link2)
4.  when finished downloading, open up astro file manager.
5.  find your “downloads” folder and and tap the “google earth” file.
6.  tap “open app manger” and then “install”.
7.  bam.

let me know if you have any issues!