Microsoft Virtual Earth 3D is the latest in a long line of applications available through Microsoft Internet Explorer. Microsoft describes it as a new version of its Microsoft Virtual Environment (MVE) application that has been designed for the Windows environment. According to these, who have used the application, Virtual Earth 3D represents a new advancement of the 3-D web browsing paradigm. "Virtual Earth" refers to the user interface or the user experience that users will have when browsing a virtual environment. Bill Gail, Director of strategic development at Microsoft's Virtual Environment business unit said, "We want to create an application that's interactive and informative." According to him, "We're looking for the kind of interface that will give you the feeling of being at a real location that you can interact with."
Since Microsoft Internet Explorer is a widely used browser used in the majority of computers worldwide, the company has decided to take this opportunity to provide users with an interactive experience. The user interface or application is integrated with the Internet Explorer program. The applications include web browsing tools such as search engines, social networks, social book marking, the MySpace application, social network widgets, news feeds, news and weather reports, email services, blogs, news, weather alerts, maps, and games. The most prominent use of the application is as a social networking tool where users can interact with other users. In addition to being a browser based application, "Virtual Earth" allows users to share images, music and videos. Users are able to add photos, songs and video clips to their profile pages and share these with others through social networking sites.
The application is similar to other online gaming applications such as "First Person Shooters," "Age of Conan," "Second Life"World of Warcraft." It is also similar to games like the popular FarmVille. It was developed by a team of game developers who are affiliated with the Xbox 360 company. Although this application does not require installation to the PC, Microsoft Internet Explorer must be installed in the computer in order to use the application. However, the application can be downloaded free from the Internet for use.
