Microsoft Research has posted a video overview of their upcoming Street Slide View tool. The tool allows users to navigate still photos of user-specified locations. Similar to Google Maps panoramic views, the pictures are nothing new to the online map market. However, there are 2 cool features of Street Slide View that will give Google Maps a run for it's money, provided these features function properly and are trustworthy on a consistent basis. Below is a SIMPLE description (without getting too technical) of 2 new features
Feature # 1 - The tool allows the user to zoom out on a particular street and as the user zooms it can view more of the street by panning across horizontally or 180 degrees - 90 degree turns are performed in the same way at each intersection. The 180 degrees option allows for instant viewing of either side of the street.
Feature # 2 - Alongside the images presented, Microsoft includes a bubble map icon that showcases the map view of your image's location. This is helpful in that the user can clearly define what street they are at and easily track a route without having to base it solely off of imagery.
The entire viewing process is annotated with addresses and descriptions.
Microsoft Street Slide View for BusinessThe tool not only features descriptive text within its presented images, but it also features store logos and potential hyperlinks to the stores website. As of right now, it is unknown whether Microsoft will charge money to feature logos on the map tool, but most guesses point to no. Either way, businesses can benefit by ensuring their logo is featured on the Microsoft Slide View application presenting yet another way for them to promote their business via web user tools. Overtime we will see how Microsoft uses these features to their advantage and whether or not Google comes back with an answer - duplicating or improving the features. Yet another Google vs. Microsoft battle may be in the near future.
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