Google may reveal a revolutionary new Google Maps feature next week, an invitation-only event referencing “the next dimension of Google Maps” would have you believe.
On June 6 vice president of Google Earth and Google Maps Brian McClendon will present a “behind-the-scenes look” at mapping products at Google and will “demo some of the newest technology” and provide a “sneak peek at upcoming features”.
Media invites to the special event read “the next dimension of Google Maps”, suggesting that Google will reveal enhanced 3D map views, and possibly photo-realistic. Google Maps already supports vector-based 3D renderings of buildings in most cities.
The invites also state that upcoming features will “help people get where they want to go – both physically and virtually”, suggesting the service will better assist users get from A to B in the real world. This may mean better integration with transport hubs and more real-time traffic updates.
Less than a week later at Apple’s WWDC on June 11, the company is expected to announce their own mapping product, possibly including photo-realistic 3D maps too. At the same time Apple will renounce the services of Google Maps in iOS 6.