On the cool scale, Microsoft’s new mapping technology gets an 11.
Microsoft “architect” Blaise Aguera y Arcas showed off “augmented reality” mapping at the Ted conference, drawing gasps from an audience of experienced entrepreneurs and techies.
At first glance it seems like normal maps, although the technology zooms to a location much more smoothly than existing services, without the jerky motion. But the jaw-dropping moments come fast and furious as the user zooms in on a location.
At street level, the maps offer complete 3-D imagery, integrated with user photos, video and content. All this talk of “layers” and property bubbles seems rudimentary compared to the multiple levels of visuals and information available. “Map” no longer seems like an appropriate description.
