The new beta version of Google Earth V3.0.0739 released over the weekend (see my story here) has an interesting new feature. In the PLUS version of GE there’s an option in the Preferences window which says “Disable onscreen advertising“. The interesting thing is this option apparently doesn’t exist in the free version of Google Earth.
So, apparently you can expect to see some form of onscreen advertising in GE soon. But, to turn them off you will need to have a subscription of Google Earth Plus or Pro. It will be interesting to see how this is implemented and what the reaction will be from the general GE users. So far, no one has reported seeing ads appear (that I can find anyway).
[EDIT – 19:32 EST: From the new release notes – “Google ads are now shown inside some of the information balloons. These are experimental and will only be shown some of the time.”]
About Frank Taylor
Frank Taylor started the Google Earth Blog in July, 2005 shortly after Google Earth was first released. He has worked with 3D computer graphics and VR for many years and was very impressed with this exciting product. Frank completed a 5.5 year circumnavigation of the earth by sailboat in June 2015 which you can read about at Tahina Expedition, and is a licensed pilot, backpacker, diver, and photographer.
Coming Soon: Google Earth Ads
Frank Taylor notes at Google Earth Blog that the newest beta of Google Earth Plus and Pro include a toggle to turn off advertising. Apparently, that toggle is not available in the free version. His conclusion, which sounds right to me, ads are coming!
Say hello to advertisers in Google Earth
Link – Ads Coming to Google Earthapparently you can expect to see some form of onscreen advertising in GE soon. But, to turn them off you will need to have a subscription of Google Earth Plus or Pro. It will…
Hey, There’s Ads in my Google Earth!
Not that this is a surprise (Google = advertising), but there are Ads Coming to Google Earth. Come on ArcGIS Explorer! [FrankTaylor (Google Earth Blog) via James Fee (Spatially Adjusted)]
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Google Earth
if you just stick to an old version of google earth you will have an ad-free google earth version to use
Advertising arrives in Google Earth
As previously speculated, Google has begun adopting the Opera model for advertising (ironically a few weeks after Opera abandons it). Says Google, “Some users will see Google ads associated with search results and some Layers.” Meanwhile Google Earth B…
Google Earth
if you just stick to an old version of google earth you will have an ad-free google earth version to use
Where can i download an older version of google earth??