Yesterday Microsoft unveiled Virtual Earth 3D, a web based mapping application with the ability to view two-dimensional aerial and bird’s-eye imagery
Virtual Earth 3D shows object from a slightly inclined angle and allows you to view the object from four different sides, giving you a feeling like your fly on a chopper over the city.
Virtual Earth 3D is web based and Internet Explorer is the only supported browser.
Its a bit resource hoggy. You’ll need a broadband connection, a 3D acceleration enabled graphics card and ofcource, Internet Explorer. Currently you’ll be able to view 3D maps of only few major US cities.
Link: Windows Live Local

wrote, on November 7th, 2006
Ah! There is Microsoft attempt to get the users of IE back. But I doubt that would happen.
I would stick to my Firefox. (Firefox 2 is even better, I just upgraded last night).
wrote, on November 8th, 2006
I have to say though Thilak, it isn’t as bad as I thought. Though not as good as Google Earth, it is better than I expected.
Thanks for the article.
wrote, on November 8th, 2006
mac and linux user will see more reason to migrate to Windows OS but I think there will be hacks to view it in another web browser other than IE, soon.
wrote, on November 8th, 2006
@Vyoma: It works in Firefox, but they suggest us to use IE.
I love Safari, So I won’t switch back to Windows either.
wrote, on November 8th, 2006
@Thilak: Kinda off topic, but I suggest the Mozilla browser Camino for Macs
wrote, on November 8th, 2006
@Steven: I’m kinda addicted towards Safari, but I’ll surely give it a try.
Thanks