New Google Earth 4 beta - 16-December-2006

[D-Bone]

Source: http://www.gearthblog.com/blog/archives/2006/12/new_google_earth_4_b_1.html

Google has just released the latest beta for Google Earth 4 today (December 16th). Windows and Linux - version 4.0.2693, Mac - version 4.0.2694. Here are the release notes posted by 'ink_polaroid' at the GEC. Note: there are some great improvements in here. Also, the new touring feature mentioned is really cool. It will automatically pop up placemark description bubbles as you tour through each placemark. This gives you an almost script-like presentation capability.




Release notes:


Progress indicator for loading network links and models
Real-time GPS tracking using NMEA (Plus, Pro and EC)
Greatly improved performance for collada models (textured buildings)
Tours can display balloons (Tools->Options... then "Touring" tab)
Driving directions and touring allow a greater range for typed values
Mac movie-maker supports many more compression formats
KML notes:

Icon palettes are deprecated (no more root:// for the styles)
Improved performance on network link hierarchies
Major fixes since last beta:

Improved compatibility on shared memory architecture ATI graphics cards with older graphics card drivers
Improved success rate of log in over unreliable connections
Fixed offline mode in Pro
Numerous GPS fixes (including GPX import)

[lethalmind]

The last version I downloaded of this seemed sorta poor compared to when it came out. 4 versions in and I would think that the problems would be just about figured out. How many versions of the same software do you have to release before you get the right one.
Like Microsoft. One version and it was perfect windows 3.1, oh wait Windows 95 er 98 er 98se er windows 2000, no no its windows xp. No I was wrong again Windows vista. Yeah well maybe it needs a few versions to get it right but im sure that windows vista will be the last.

(dont quote me on that :) )

[D-Bone]

I'm not sure what you are getting at here Lethal, I've been using Google Earth since the first rev of beta 4 came out. I have had nothing but great experiences with it. Its a fantastic piece of software. What kind of problems are you seeing?

On your side discussion, are you saying you expect a company to release a piece of software that will be future-proof for all of eternity? Microsoft or whoever for that matter is supposed to have a crystal ball to see how we will use computers for the next 20 years and then make a perfect OS based on that? Wake up from your dream state man and come back to reality.