Microsoft to offer 3D modeling for Live Search service

Looking to further differentiate itself from competitor Google, Microsoft announced Virtual Earth 3D for its Live Search service. The service now gives users the ability to view locations in 2D view, including aerial and bird's eye views, or in 3D. The 3D models used within Virtual Earth 3D are compiled using photographic images of cities and terrain.

The 3D models are currently available for 15 U.S. cities: San Francisco, San Jose, Seattle, Boston, Philadelphia, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Detroit, Phoenix, Houston, Baltimore, Atlanta, Denver, Dallas, and Fort Worth. Terrain 3D imagery is still available globally. Microsoft hopes to continue to expand its list of cities with 3D modeling. Not skipping a revenue generating opportunity, Microsoft will also be selling advertising within Virtual Earth 3D.