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Google Earth VR

vr.google.com

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Re: Google Earth VR

#101

Post by mxfh »

matthjensen wrote: post #39
secure wrote: post #31

I played this for about 2 hours recently, and it’s so much fun! Flying around like that really gives you a perspective of your home town that you don’t usually get. For instance, I have discovered that there’s actually train tracks underneath a bridge over which I drive fairly frequently — from inside the tram, I never saw them. Notably, this is significantly better than the “liquid galaxy” installations one can find…

What else is on the list of things you show people who are new to VR?

The globe in Realities is also nice just to interact with. Plus you can experience an Alcatraz prison cell, while still on your own carpet. http://store.steampowered.com/app/452710/

Re: Google Earth VR

#102

Post by mxfh »

matthjensen wrote: post #39
secure wrote: post #31

I played this for about 2 hours recently, and it’s so much fun! Flying around like that really gives you a perspective of your home town that you don’t usually get. For instance, I have discovered that there’s actually train tracks underneath a bridge over which I drive fairly frequently — from inside the tram, I never saw them. Notably, this is significantly better than the “liquid galaxy” installations one can find…

What else is on the list of things you show people who are new to VR?

Unseen Diplomacy was one of my most fun experiences so far. http://store.steampowered.com/app/429830

Re: Google Earth VR

#103

Post by madaxe_again »

secure wrote: post #61
matthjensen wrote: post #39

Earlier quoted context omitted.

What else is on the list of things you show people who are new to VR?

Valve’s The Lab is fantastic and is usually one of the first things I show. Next up is Job Simulator. Lots of fun and attention to detail in there. Then Tilt Brush, because it’s surprisingly fun, even for non-artists. Earth VR probably goes into the list at this position right here :). The Cubicle ( https://steamcommunity.com/app/452490 ) has a nice twist to it, but is far less polished than the ones I previously lis…

Something that may also have appeal to the HN crowd - Destinations (on steam) has many great places to visit, but the one that got me was mars.

It's photogrammetry from the curiosity rover's cameras, with a minimal amount of artistic blank filling, and a good explanation as to how it was done, etc.

Me, I sat there on a rocky outcrop listening to the thin wind whisper by, grimacing up at the central peak of the crater in which the scene is set, wondering if one day I'll see these photons first-hand. I may have shed a tear or two.

Re: Google Earth VR

#105

Post by canada_dry »

One of the best potential uses for this (and many similar VR apps) is for senior citizens and immobile folks.

Imagine being able to travel back to your hometown or visit places you never got to on your bucket list.

Priceless.

Re: Google Earth VR

#107

Post by jliptzin »

zardo wrote: post #82
jliptzin wrote: post #60

I really think something like this will displace some tourism/sightseeing (at least at the margins). I have done a ton of traveling all over the world and would much prefer a VR experience like this instead of cramming onto an airplane like cattle for hours, getting accused of being a drug lord at every border crossing, dealing with foreigners who seem to hate Americans, etc. Most tourist cities are pretty much the s…

Seeing the Sahara on a screen, and climbing a sand dune, are two very different experiences.

That's very true. It's a matter of personal preference, and to me the VR experience seems to be surpassing the point at which a physical journey may not be worth the hassle or the cost.

Re: Google Earth VR

#108

Post by robeastham »

alasano wrote: post #6

I've been dreaming of this for a long time now... holy crap. This is as close as we have to the Black & White (lionhead x EA) god feeling, except for beating up your cow/monkey/etc of course. Can't wait to try it out.

Me too! I've been wondering when this would turn up. I've been dreaming of flying around coasts and up mountains for a long time. I honestly think this will alter people's perceptions of time and place and space.

I wonder if Google will have a service based on this that allows developers to add additional layers via an API and publish in their own app. That would be great.

Sure would like to add some of the models from my VR Infinite Museum:

http://imnh.org

Re: Google Earth VR

#109

Post by njharman »

ferongr wrote: post #58

>Google Earth VR is first available on Steam for the HTC Vive The lack of a common VR framework, and no expectation from consumers that a VR-enabled application will be cross-compatible between different systems is the main reason I have not yet bought a headset, and advise people asking me against buying. The VR landscape right now looks like it suffers from consolitis, and I will never support such business models.

That's like expecting ps3 game to work on Xbox.
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