Google Earth 4, the latest edition launched during CES, is now a mixture of textured 3D renderings of famous architectural sites and terrain when the proper layers are turned on. But the most obvious change to the free, stand-alone program, is a new, simpler user interface.

The latest version of Google SketchUp will allow users to create rich 3D renderings of buildings as KML or KMZ files and share them as overlays on Google Earth, explains C/Net. Keyhole Markup Language (KML) files are the Extensible Markup Language (XML) files used for modeling and storing features in Google Earth and Google Maps. (The compressed version is a KMZ.)

“It’s just one more step on the path of creating a life-like 3D model of the whole planet,” according to Google.

Google’s 3D Warehouse is the repository for this new, rich 3D architecture. Without downloading Google Earth 4, users can search the Google 3D Warehouse to view these virtual structures. The models are classified by level of difficulty based on the number of polygons needed to construct them. Users can also rate and review the models.

Google Earth’s data layers, which can be turned on or off with a check mark, allow users to choose to see all 3D structures, 3D Warehouse buildings or selections from the “Best of 3D Warehouse.”

According to Spatially Adjusted.com, the Google 3D Warehouse model is more detailed than the default Microsoft Virtual Earth model (above). The biggest problem with Google Earth is that the background has no detail. With Virtual Earth you get the whole city in the background and in Google Earth you get nothing.

At CES 2007, Philips Electronics is showcasing the capabilities of its 3D content-enabling software for converting existing high-definition 2D commercials and professional stereo video footage into 3D for visualization on Philips’ professional 3D displays.

Philips’ 3D displays, using “WOWvx” technology, deliver 3D effects without the need for special glasses or filters. These professional displays aimed at use inside shopping malls, casinos, restaurants and museums where the 3D displays are used as a differentiator, immediately grabbing the attention of the visitor.

To support its customers in the creation of the 3D content, Philips has developed a suite of 3D content-enabling software, to unlock the customer’s new and existing material for visualization in 3D using the ‘2D-plus-depth’ format.

This includes plug-ins for animation software, OpenGL Control for real-time applications, and semi-automated video conversion from 2D to 3D as well as real-time stereo to 3D conversion tools.

Philips’ WOWvx 3D content enabling software, Open GL Control and the 3D animation software plug-in are now available from the company. Philips is focusing first on the professional application market for its 3D displays, but company representatives said that the goal is to bring the 3D experience to the wider consumer entertainment market, hopefully into gaming and home theater.

LG’s 42in 3D flat panel boasts full (1080p) HD resolution and features autostereoscopic technology, providing 3D images without needing special glasses using lenticular lenses.

Viewed directly in front and from between three metres and seven metres away, the headache-inducing display does offer a reasonable 3D representation. It’s got about a 30-degree viewing angle, outside of which shimmering artifacts appear.

The M4200D is more than just a tech demo. It will have a limited-production run with retail availability scheduled for Q2 2007, though pricing hasn’t been finalised.

The InFocus DepthQ projector ($3,495), modified by Lightspeed Design Group to run at 120 Hz refresh, does flicker-free 3D using LCD shutter glasses.

The integration of a 3D display mode, is also demonstrated by multiple DLP HDTVs at CES. Texas Instruments is now working to integrate 3D imaging in future DLP HDTV models.

Just in time for the new Linden Lab version of Second Life — in Open Source.

Developers can now access the source code to the Second Life end-user software in order to make modifications, enhancements and to add new features. The move marks Linden Lab’s continued commitment to building the Second Life Grid as an open, extensible platform for development, rather than a closed proprietary system.

TD Vision converts any computer-generated image or video into 3D, without messing with the 2D quality, and can be viewed with or without the special goggles.

Related DailyWireless articles include; Visualizing the Future, Microsoft’s Amazing Virtual Earth, Motorola: It’s All About ME, 3D Standards Coalese, and True Crime.

Posted by Sam Churchill on Thursday, January 11th, 2007 at 9:23 pm.