What is Google Earth VR? The virtual reality ‘killer app’ – here’s what we know
The new Google Earth VR app lets intrepid, or not so intrepid, travellers fly around the globe and even the universe without getting out of bed
THANKS to Google you are now able to travel the world without ever leaving your home.
The new Google Earth virtual reality app lets intrepid, or not so intrepid, travellers fly around the globe while still in bed or sitting on the sofa.
How does it work?
Simply pop on a virtual reality headset with your phone inside and let the app described as a "killer" work its magic.
By wearing these 'goggles' you can fly or walk down streets to see the sights in another city.
Although you can visit the entire world and feel as if you are there, you cannot interact with anything you see - you are a tourist from a virtual distance.
You can chose your own path or you can take pre-programmed virtual tours of the world's most popular destinations.
Users will be familiar with Google Earth or Google Street programs but this takes viewers right infront or above mountains, city landmarks and oceans.
Where can you go?
In a totally unique experience, people who are bed bound or unable to afford to visit all the best sights in the world can travel through the highlights of Asia in an afternoon and see the scale of the Grand Canyon before breakfast.
By using a controller, which comes with Google's headset Daydream, you can direct yourself around the globe and even zoom out to look at Earth from space.
What has Google said about it?
Mike Podwal, product manager of Google VR, said: "The world has so many beautiful and amazing places to visit. If we're lucky, we're able to travel and see a few of them.
"But even the most active travellers can only see a fraction. What if we could see them all?
"Ten years ago, Google Earth began as an effort to help people everywhere explore our planet. And now, with more than two billion downloads, many have.
"Today, we are introducing as our next step to help the world see the world. With Earth VR, you can fly over a city, stand at the top of the highest peaks, and even soar into space."
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