Google Earth for Android

Google just released Google Earth for Android (a short video review can be found below) and I have to say, I am impressed. It was quite the download (5+Mb) but after it was installed, everything worked rather smooth and quick on my Nexus One. I am not sure how it would work on a device with less power (also can’t try this one) but they have done a terrific job! Note here; Google Earth for Android only runs on device with Android 2.1 or higher!

First using Google Earth, I was using the HSDPA (3G) network, after switching to the regular 2G-network, I noticed that Google Earth became quite lagging. This of course can be traced back to the fact that you are constantly downloading satellite imagery. As the latest Android 2.1 release also added multi-touch, you can now use your fingers to fly over the earth.

Besides the usual layers that Google nowadays offers in Earth and Maps, I noticed one other nice feature that allows you to also use the application offline (while you are disconnected from any data network). Google Earth stores some of the data on your mobile device and allows you to use that to still see some satellite imagery. Once you are connected again, a message appears that you are connected, you are able to navigate beyond the locally stored satellite imagery.

One of the new key features of Android 2.1 was that you could use your voice to perform searches or type text message, within Google Earth you can also use your voice to navigate around and just name place you want to visit. Google Earth will pick it up, translate the spoken text into written text and navigate you to the location that you requested.

After playing a while with Google Earth, I have to say, impressed but also, what the hell do I need Google Earth for on my device? It is nice to show off to friends and show them how good your device is but for pure navigation or looking up business Google Maps will do as well. In short Google Earth; Nice to have, first to be deleted (when I hit the storage limit)

Download Google Earth for Nexus One by searching for Google Earth in the Android Market.