Google Earth goes 3D for search and mapping

Google has launched a new satellite imagery-based mapping environment that combines 3D buildings and terrain with mapping capability and Google search. Google Earth enables users to fly from space to street level views to find geographic information and explore places around the world. Key features of Google Earth include 3D buildings in major cities across the United States; 3D terrain showing mountains, valleys, and canyons around the world; integrated Google Local search to find local information such as hotels, restaurants, schools, parks, and transportation; dynamic navigation; video playback of driving directions; and tilt, rotate, and activate 3D terrain and buildings for a different perspective on a location. ...more

Help at hand for game virgins

Are you stuck on the 299th level of Hyper Babble Jumper 3? Or have you lost the Elvin key in Old Dark Historical Adventure? If so, Virgin's web port offers help at hand in the form of some handy guides. The web portal has struck an exclusive deal with US publisher Prima Games in which they will offer electronic versions of their game guides. The Virgin portal has just been revamped and you can already download guides to over 50 top games, including that darned Pok?mon game, but this will be extended to a full catalogue of fast-track guides covering over 300 games. ...more

BT sets 500 broadband triggers

BT has announced broadband trigger levels for 500 exchanges, 56 of which already have enough pre-registrations to qualify for ADSL. Although BT has been accepting registrations of interest for these exchanges, the numbers required to trigger an ADSL installation have not until now been set. Service dates for the 56 exchanges that have reached their triggers should be set within the next few weeks. ...more

Sun launches attack on low end server market

Sun Microsystems has opened a new front against the Windows-based server market with two new x86 machines. The machines can run either Solaris x86 Platform Edition or Red Hat Linux Enterprise Edition. As part of the campaign it has enlisted Oracle and Red Hat to provide complete solutions primarily to small and medium sized businesses. ...more

BT and Broadreach agree WiFi hotspot roaming agreement

Two of the UK's leading WiFi hotspot suppliers have signed a roaming agreement that will allow their subscribers to use each others' networks. Users will have equal access to BT Openzone's 1,500 hotspots and Broadreach Networks' 350 access points across the UK, in locations as diverse as BAA Airports, Hilton Hotels, Travelodge, Ramada Jarvis Hotels, railway stations, Virgin Megastores, McDonald's flagship and drive-thru restaurants, PC World stores, Little Chefs and Moto and RoadChef service stations. As a result of this and other similar agreements, Openzone subscribers now have use of some 7,800 hotspots nationwide. ...more