« AGU Virtual Globes - Days 2 & 3 | Main | New Imagery Update for the Holidays - Awesome! »
December 16, 2006
New Google Earth 4 beta - 16-December-2006
Google has just released the latest beta for Google Earth 4 today (December 16th). Windows and Linux - version 4.0.2693, Mac - version 4.0.2694. Here are the release notes posted by 'ink_polaroid' at the GEC. Note: there are some great improvements in here. Also, the new touring feature mentioned is really cool. It will automatically pop up placemark description bubbles as you tour through each placemark. This gives you an almost script-like presentation capability.
Release notes:The bug which affected the Blue Marble Add-on has been fixed. I will be posting a new version which won't require the little hack I had developed to fix the bug.
- Progress indicator for loading network links and models
- Real-time GPS tracking using NMEA (Plus, Pro and EC)
- Greatly improved performance for collada models (textured buildings)
- Tours can display balloons (Tools->Options... then "Touring" tab)
- Driving directions and touring allow a greater range for typed values
- Mac movie-maker supports many more compression formats
KML notes:
- Icon palettes are deprecated (no more root:// for the styles)
- Improved performance on network link hierarchies
Major fixes since last beta:
- Improved compatibility on shared memory architecture ATI graphics cards with older graphics card drivers
- Improved success rate of log in over unreliable connections
- Fixed offline mode in Pro
- Numerous GPS fixes (including GPX import)
Posted by FrankTaylor at December 16, 2006 02:52 PM
Comments
Posted by: Dawid H. at December 16, 2006 05:29 PM
There are two very nice fixes to network links!
First, previously, if a network link was set to refresh on a time interval, unchecking and rechecking the network link would also trigger a refresh. Thankfully, the latest version simply hides and then shows the contents of the link.
Second, previously, if a network link was set to refresh on a change of view, and if you moved the earth while the refresh was happening, GE would download the data for the first screen position. You would not get any data for the final screen position. Now, if the earth is moved during a refresh, GE stops the refresh and then restarts it when the movement stops. The result is that you always get the data for the screen you are looking at.
These changes are most welcome.
Posted by: Bill Clark at December 17, 2006 02:47 AM
Apparently they still haven't fixed the anisotropic filtering bug with overlays... so I'm not very impressed ;)
Posted by: Jon at December 17, 2006 05:17 AM
Seamlessly installed in GE+4 but now the main screen no longer shows either the Globe or the Navigation Bars. Just a field of stars. A bug perhaps?
Posted by: Cary at December 17, 2006 11:50 AM
I don't see where to download the new beta 4 verison, it just shows June 12 update.
Posted by: John Sapyta at December 17, 2006 12:53 PM
I am having issues while printing. While printing, rectangular areas are left blank in the printout????
Posted by: Ted at December 28, 2006 11:56 AM
I have tried downloading the latest beta version of Google Earth (4.2.xx) several times from several sites and all I see is a field of stars. I can't get the earth to appear. Appears to be similar to the problem that John Sapyta described above.
Can someone help me with this?
Thanks much.
Posted by: John Ritland at March 3, 2008 12:08 AM
Post a comment:
NOTE: Please use English. Comments are moderated.
What about Linux's version?