Google Earth (Release 4) is officially released and out of beta. The major new features include (take a deep breath) support for textured 3D buildings, support for time in KML content, new navigation control, improved layer support, support for FIGS (French, Italian, German and Spanish) and Japanese, new icons, improved printing, support for controllers including the 3Dconnexion SpaceNavigator, and improved performance. We've also changed the feature mix between Google Earth Free, Plus, Pro, and the premium modules: drawing tools are now included in Free, real-time GPS tracking is included in Plus, and the premium printing, GIS data importer and movie-maker modules are included in Pro for no additional charge. Download the new Google Earth 4 (Free) or Google Earth 4 Pro, and have a look at the user guide.
In mid-December, the last GE 4 beta was released with performance-boosting enhancements, especially for 3D models and tiled image overlays. The beta also introduced a new feature to enhance placemark tours; placemark description balloons now open briefly during tour playback (look for the "Show balloon when tour is paused" under the "Touring" options). Here's a summary of changes for the beta release.
http://earth.google.com/earth4.html
In mid-December, the last GE 4 beta was released with performance-boosting enhancements, especially for 3D models and tiled image overlays. The beta also introduced a new feature to enhance placemark tours; placemark description balloons now open briefly during tour playback (look for the "Show balloon when tour is paused" under the "Touring" options). Here's a summary of changes for the beta release.
http://earth.google.com/earth4.html
