Virtual Earth 3D Maps added to Windows Live Search

Google Earth maps have been more popular than Microsoft's Virtual Earth mapping service, but that might change with the introduction of Microsoft's Virtual Earth 3D, now part of Windows Live Search. Three-dimensional maps of 15 U.S. cities including Philadelphia, Boston, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle and others will feature detailed 3D images, models of buildings and landscapes, with clickable "virtual billboards" from advertisers. Unlike Google Earth, Microsoft Virtual Earth 3D works inside of Internet Explorer browser and doesn't require a separate application. TechCrunch notes that Virtual Earth 3D is expected to expand to cover up to 100 cities around the world by the end of next summer.

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