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Google is massively expanding its Google Earth product – and turning it into what could be the gateway drug to virtual reality for millions.

Like the regular Google Earth, the virtual reality version lets you tour some of our planet's most breathtaking locations, making it possible to experience places you might never otherwise visit.


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The project takes things to the next level though, allowing you to walk around the likes of the Hong Kong Stadium or Rome's historic Colosseum, or climb the Matterhorn. Having been rebuilt for room scale VR though, this revamped Google Earth also lets you soar around them, flying through the air for first-person views that are almost impossible in real life.

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It's a truly global spectacle too – you can fly into orbit and examine the Earth as a celestial body. You can zoom in and out of anywhere on the planet, rotate the globe on its axis, and transport to points of interest.

Knowing that the Earth itself is pretty big (196.9 million square miles), Google has also built in curated tours, with cinematic excursions around some of the most popular and breathtaking locations.


Google

"Ten years ago, Google Earth began as an effort to help people everywhere explore our planet. And now, with more than two billion downloads, many have," said Mike Podwal, product manager at Google VR, in a blogpost. "Today, we are introducing Google Earth VR as our next step to help the world see the world."

The software, available now via Steam for free, is currently exclusive to HTC Vive. Other platforms – unconfirmed, but likely to include Oculus Rift – will follow next year. With Google having just launched its own Daydream VR headset, we wouldn't be surprised to see a mobile version come along, too.