Google has just pushed out a nice update for the Google Earth platform, going from version 7.1.1.1888 to 7.1.2.2041. You can download it from earth.google.com.
Remember that new versions of Google Earth have nothing to do with the imagery. Imagery updates arrive for all users of Google Earth, regardless of what version they’re using. We try to keep you updated with that information as well, such as the imagery update that rolled out recently.
According to the changelog, the following issues were addressed in this update:
- The “Enable Controller” option in user preferences is now turned off by default. This prevents red directional arrows from displaying as a result of uncalibrated joysticks and other controllers being connected to Earth at startup.
- For enhanced security, “Use HTTPS for Google connections” is now toggled on by default.
- We fixed a bug whereby the cache size rose above user-specified limits.
- We fixed a crash resulting from searching on some Windows machines.
- We updated the LEAP API to version 1.08.
- We reduced LEAP controller sensitivity to user hand motions. This enables a smoother flight and greater control over your flight path when using a LEAP.
These are some nice updates. We’ve had a number of users write in confused about the directional arrows appearing when they didn’t expect them, and the tweaks the LEAP motion controls will be nice to have. While I’m quite pleased with how well the LEAP works with Google Earth (read our full review), it certainly could stand a bit of fine-tuning.
Go out and download this new update from the official source at earth.google.com.
About Mickey Mellen
Mickey has been using Google Earth since it was released in 2005, and has created a variety of geo-related sites including Google Earth Hacks. He runs a web design firm in Marietta, GA, where he lives with his wife and two kids.
Helpful news, but aside from those with LEAP controllers, has any GEB reader noticed other changes in using GE after upgrading?
Does it still has forced 3D mode?
If Google does not include a switching between 3D textures and non-textures there is no reason for me to download newer version!
Have no clue what you did with Google Earth but it is totally unusable now. Im looking at the sky and when I paste an address and hit enter it just sits there, double click on a location and just sits there, say fly to and just sits there, scroll the mouse to zoom in and it starts pointing in the sky with 2 red arrows on either side. What happened to Google Earth that I have been using since day one.
Sorry it was a new Logitech 3D Extreme Pro Joystick that was causing the problem, I unplugged it and it is back to normal.
I want the scale bar back, please!
How do you remove from view what looks like small postage stamps but are location identifiers?
I would like to be able to turn them off and on as I find them disconcerting.