Google has announced the launch a standalone Street View app that will allow users to contribute images and content.
With individual users being able to contribute the coverage and content available on Street View will quickly grow and this includes indoors – shopping malls, stores, event centres etc giving users access to more than ever before.
Even more amazing is that the App will be available for Apple users as well as Android with the Street View App replacing the Photo Sphere App for iPhones which continues to emphasise Apples obvious move to step back from competing with Google in this space.
Why should you care?
Users will be able to share photo spheres (360-degree panoramas) to Google Maps for all to see.
In their own press release Google focused on the ability to share 360 panoramas from anywhere: “Now you can publish photo spheres of your favourite places from around the world (or around the block!) to Google Maps instantly”.
While Google focussed the obvious practical benefits for getting street view images for National Parks and Museums there are a number of obvious benefits for businesses such as restaurants, galleries, entertainment venues, educational campuses and the real estate industry.
It does however also raise the question around private homes and privacy issues if non authorised content (images) are published by visitors.
We will watch this carefully and provide an update
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Glenn is a Partner and Senior Consultant who has had a very successful career building growth companies in the private equity arena. He has a wealth of experience in both the digital space and strategy development. Prior to becoming a partner in SureFire Glenn built one of the largest digital teams in New Zealand for a NASDAQ listed global online marketing company & Google's largest premium partner.
