Article by George Norman

On 08 May 2009

Redmond-based software developer Microsoft has announced that Photosynth, the technology that allows you to create a 3D, 360-degree experience out of simple digital camera shots, will be integrated into the company’s mapping service Virtual Earth. According to Microsoft, this “natural synergy” between Photosynth and Virtual Earth will become commercially available as of July, 2009.

General Manage of Mapping and Local Search with Microsoft, Jeff Kelisky, comments: “The integration of Microsoft Photosynth into Virtual Earth marks an important step in enabling businesses to use Photosynth in a relevant, customer-friendly way. With the integrated capabilities of Photosynth and recently added Silverlight API, our Virtual Earth partners have great tools for creating, sharing, viewing and embedding synths across multiple platforms, and building engaging experiences.”


The way Photosynth works is by analyzing digital photographs and then generating a 3D model by using a method that Microsoft likes to call “stitching”. The results of this “stitching”, called “synths”, can be viewed via Silverlight technology on several platforms. What Photosynth/Virtual Earth integration brings to the table is the option for the consumer (be it a regular citizen, a business or even a government) to “bring location to life”. What Microsoft means by that is that one can use Virtual Earth’s features, functionality and content to share location-based info, build properly good connections with consumers and citizens, and help organizations in making the best operational decision.

Thanks to the Photosynth/Virtual Earth integration, consumers will be able to set up a detailed 3D view of pretty much anything (this includes locations, products, hotel views, home views, and so on). According to Microsoft, the potential applications of this offering (again, will become commercially available in July) include the following: real estate, tourism and hospitality, retail, media and entertainment, public sector, internal business use.

For additional details, including a video showcasing Photosynth and Virtual Earth integration, visit the official Virtual Earth web page here.



Tags: Microsoft, Photosynth, Virtual Earth, Silverlight

I Hope you LIKE this blog post! Thank you!

What do YOU have to say about this

Popular News

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

11.

12.

13.

14.

15.

16.

17.

18.

19.

20.

21.

22.

23.

24.

25.

26.

27.

28.

29.

30.