For those of you who have wondered why Google Earth was a separate application, and just wished you could get to the same type of view through your browser: You’re in luck.

Google today announced a new feature in Google Maps that brings the interactive 3D view of Earth directly to your browser. What’s the catch? Well, it requires the Google Earth plugin, but once you have that, you can use pretty much any browser you like. If you have Google Chrome, you’re already set.

You can view the new map view by clicking on the “Earth” button at the top of a map. You will be flown directly into a Google Earth view where you are able to zoom and pan around with your mouse, or on-screen controls. Neat.

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Google Maps is one of the most popular if not THE most popular freeware apps/preloaded GPS apps for any handset. It works great on almost all handsets including some of the lower end models and is extremely easy to use. Although it provides you with directions on getting from point A to point B, it’s easily usable if you don’t have drive since voice guidance has been part of the deal.

That’s about to change, at least for Android handset users. Google Maps Navigation (Beta) has been designed for Android 2.0 devices and is expected to have frequent GPS users in a tizzy. The features would include 3D views and even turn-by-turn voice guidance and automatic rerouting. The new mapping system is an internet-connected GPS navigation system with voice guidance. It uses the handset’s net connection to update the system on the latest maps and business data.

These are the list of features that the new Maps with Navigation offer -

Search in plain English
Search by voice
Traffic view
Search along route
Satellite view
Street View
Car dock mode

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