Google Earth Pro is Now Free - So What do We Get?

If you have ever used Google Earth Images in your presentation, map, site plan, or in any way without using the Pro version you were breaking the law. That data is copyrighted and licensed only to pro users. In the past one Google Earth Pro license would cost you $400 (USD). Google just announced that they will let everyone use Google Earth Pro for free. Download the program, get a Pro key, install and use.

Now that you can legally use this data for free what does the Pro version give you?

Google Chromebook Pixel – Mobile CAD Workstation or Overpriced Web Browser?

image from Pixel order page

Google just announced their newest piece of hardware, the Google Chromebook Pixel.  It’s a Chromebook so it runs on Google Chrome.  Want to know what that’s like?  Run the Google Chrome browser and nothing else.  That’s an over simplification but you can get a good idea of what it is like.

Google has been trying to sell Chromebooks for a while now and I have always been interested in them.  None of them have been powerful enough for my liking but they have been set at a good price.  Now that the Pixel is out and available for purchase and that Autodesk is making a major push for in the browser cloud based CAD software, could the Google Pixel be a viable candidate for a mobile CAD station?  I can’t honestly say yes or no until I get one (Google can you send me one to test please?) and try it out but my gut feeling is that it could be useful in certain situations. 

Autodesk's Pixlr Express named as one of the Google Play's Best Apps of 2012

Autodesk's Pixlr Express (Android version) has been selected by Google as one of 12 of the Best Apps of 2012.  I use Pixlr Express for it's quick filters, cropping, borders, and effects.  It is easy to use and very powerful.  It is an update to Autodesk's Pixlr-o-matic app that has several preset filters (etc.).  The Express version has many more options to it.  If you take pics on your Android phone and like sharing them with friends or family then this is a great app to help you spruce up your photos.

 Pixlr Express in the Google Play Store

Trimble Purchases Sketchup from Google

Rumors have been flying around some time that Sketchup was being sold.  Many believed that Dassault Systèmes would purchase it.  Well they didn’t.  Trimble (http://3d.trimble.com) has purchased it.  Trimble (from their website) is “a leading provider of advanced positioning solutions that maximize productivity and enhance profitability.”  Trimble is likely best known for their GPS technology.  If you have ever done any surveying work then you have probably used some of their equipment at some point.

On April 26th, 2012, Trimble announced that it has entered into an agreement to purchase Sketchup from Google.  The purchase is expected to finalize in the second quarter of 2012.

GOOGLE TV on it's Way

According to the New York Times, Google is partnering up with Sony and Intel to develop an entertainment system, that integrates television and the web in one product. The device will allow users to watch TV or surf the web, with one piece of equipment.

Read the article from the NYT to get the low down.

In case you didn't know, this product is essentially out there. I have one at home. It's called a computer. I envision this device to be different than a computer. It will install just as easily as a video player but be much more simpler to use than a computer. They could use either the Android mobile system as an OS or use Google's Chrome OS. Either one would give the user enough computing power to browse the web, check email, watch the nightly news and download videos from services like Netflix and Hulu.

What it won't do is handle major software like Office or AutoCAD. I see it as being a browser based OS (Chrome OS) similar to Apple's iPad, except it will have flash installed and USB ports.

This product has the potential to be what Web TV was meant to be. I'm sure there will be several different types. One that comes with a TV, one that is a standalone to hook up to your current TV, different hard drives and speed.

What do you think? Would you get one? If so, what would the price need to be?

p.s. There is also a Google Car in the works!

Google Sketchup Model Your Town Competition

I'm a CAD guy. I know, it's hard to believe, but I am. I love making things in CAD, it's how I roll. 3D CAD is very cool too. I also like Google. I use several of their products. One that I haven't used as much is Google Sketchup. I've toyed with it a bit here and there over the years but I have never done any serious work with it. Until now!

I have decided to through my hat in the ring in Google's latest competition, Model Your Town. Essentially this contest is a brilliant way for Google to increase their meager 3D Building content on Google earth for free! Or for at least at the cost of a party for the winner, some press, and a $10,000 tax deduction in the form of a check to the winners home town school! It's a great idea.

Modelers basically have until March 1st to submit their models. they have to be simple enough for Google Earth, yet accurate. they also have to have realistic photo renderings on them. So they have to actually look like the buildings from your town. And, you have to provide meta data for each building.

Easy enough right? If it were just one or two buildings then it would be a piece of cake. Or if it were just random CAD Gurus from here and there, I'd have a huge shot at winning! After all, I've been using CAD for 16 years now! But it seems that cities from all over the world are getting into it! Not to mention that big architectural firms are jumping in too! At last count, it seems that there are at least 200+ entries at the time I am writing this!

The good news is that you can form a team to do your work. So, my son and i are teaming up on this project to try and win 10 grand for the school in our town. It also seems that other teams consist of Architectural firms, or what you might call "experts". We are feeling a bit like David amongst several world wide Goliaths here, but that's ok with us because David one with a single stone.