Google only launched detailed 3D maps in Google Earth for a handful of cities, but it's branching out to provide that extra dimension to a wider swath of the public. Today, it's Denver and Seattle: Android and iOS app users can immediately see the dense, textured 3D City View in their respective western cities. The updates probably won't let Seattle residents spot their hometown coffee brand without going into Street View, but it will let them thread the eye of the Space Needle while their friends in Denver spin past the State Capitol. We can't help but think that Google also enjoys offering some Microsoft staffers a little taste of what they're missing.

Filed under: Cellphones, Tablet PCs

Google Earth adds detailed 3D imagery for Denver and Seattle, might not render the local Starbucks originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 10 Aug 2012 02:13:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.