Google Street View in 3D (possible April fools?)

[Karma]

Just noticed an icon in Google Street View, which allows you to change the view to (red/blue) 3D.

I'm guessing this is an April fools (plus I don't have any 3D glasses) but it's pretty cool anyway :)

[Robert Charlton]

Google physicists discover extra dimension in Street View [google-latlong.blogspot.com]
Google LatLong Blog
April 1, 2010

Today our esteemed team of physicists from Google are proud to announce that they have discovered an extra dimension in our universe. And like other groundbreaking discoveries of black holes, superheros, and space ships, this one was also made by using Street View on Google Maps....

Sounds very much like an April Fools joke, except that, with the glasses, the 3D effect actually seems to display. This is a lot of extra work for a joke. Most likely it's a pseudo-3D effect. Again, though, too much work for just a joke.

I've been seeing real 3D modeling on the Google Maps horizon for a while now, and this might be one small step... possibly intended to create a viral buzz.

Perhaps it's in anticipation of a more serious 3D announcement, maybe tied in with the "Not in Kansas" (Avatar reference) on the April 1st home page [webmasterworld.com].

[ppc_newbie]

Considering that they have overlapping images from different angles like topgraphers use for 3D terrains, it probably wouldn't be a big item to generate 3D views for steetview.

[Whitey]

I'm seeing the 3D icon [ a gold face with different colored shades ] for Australia. Unfortunately I have no 3D glasses , but can't imagine it's an April Fools joke.

It makes sense , because all the imagery is taken from multiple angles.

[anallawalla]

I don't have red/green glasses but my son just brought home one of those polarising kind used in modern 3D movies and they made no difference to the image. The offset is much greater than what I recall about such images, hence this sounds more like a joke.

[Karma]

The new glasses won't work with the older 3D images as they use different techniques

[Whitey]

This was intended : [google.com...] ( Google Employee )

3D is back on maps. The 3D street views man has disappeared , but by right clicking astreet views image, there is an option visible to switch on the 3D mode .

So it looks like it wasn't an April fools joke. But there seem to be a lot of health warnings appearing on excessive viewing of 3D .

Should Google be conveying that all 3D viewing should come with a health warning [dailymail.co.uk...]

[samsung.com...]

•Some viewers may experience an epileptic seizure or stroke when exposed to certain flashing images or lights contained in certain television pictures or video games.

If you or any of your family has a history of epilepsy or stroke, please consult with a medical specialist before using the 3D function.

•If you experience any of the following symptoms, immediately stop watching 3D pictures and consult a medical specialist: (1) altered vision; (2) lightheadedness; (3) dizziness; (4) involuntary movements such as eye or muscle twitching; (5) confusion; (6) nausea; (7) loss of awareness; (8) convulsions; (9) cramps; and/or (10) disorientation. Parents should monitor and ask their children about the above symptoms as children and teenagers may be more likely to experience these symptoms than adults.

•Viewing in 3D mode may also cause motion sickness, perceptual after effects, disorientation, eye strain, and decreased postural stability. It is recommended that users take frequent breaks to lessen the likelihood of these effects. If you have any of the above symptoms, immediately discontinue use of this device and do not resume until the symptoms have subsided.

•We do not recommend watching 3D if you are in bad physical condition, need sleep or have been drinking alcohol.

•Watching TV while sitting too close to the screen for an extended period of time may damage your eyesight. The ideal viewing distance should be at least three times the height of the TV screen. It is recommended that the viewer's eyes are level with the screen.

•Watching TV while wearing 3D Active Glasses for an extended period of time may cause headaches or fatigue. If you experience a headache, fatigue or dizziness, stop watching TV and rest.

•Do not use the 3D Active Glasses for any purpose other than viewing 3D television. Wearing the 3D Active Glasses for any other purpose (as general spectacles, sunglasses, protective goggles, etc.) may physically harm you or weaken your eyesight.

•Viewing in 3D mode may cause disorientation for some viewers. DO NOT place your television near open stairwells, cables, balconies or other objects that may cause you to injure yourself.