http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FNhVu2oeInc

Google Maps is constantly improving with little things that make getting around in a green way quite a bit easier. It was over a year ago that they added the “walk there” directions feature, and in January they added a great public transit layer. This new editing feature, especially when it comes to adding in information making cities and green spaces easier to get to and navigate, is a big bonus.

via Treehuger

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JI6wVtCY99E

Google has launched Google Building Maker, finally allowing people to add a third dimension to the buildings on its maps.

Previously, the buildings that were given a more solid appearance in Google Maps were handpicked by Google – but that is all about to change.

A new tool, Google Building Maker – which is described as a cross between Maps and a ‘gigantic bin of building blocks’ – will allow you to create three dimensional structures, which will then be compared against the original photos and, if it seems accurate, placed into the system.

Open source building

“Some of us here at Google spend almost all of our time thinking about one thing: How do we create a three-dimensional model of every built structure on Earth?” Asked Google’s official blog,.

” How do we make sure it’s accurate, that it stays current and that it’s useful to everyone who might want to use it?

“One of the best ways to get a big project done — and done well — is to open it up to the world. As such, today we’re announcing the launch of Google Building Maker, a fun and simple (and crazy addictive, it turns out) tool for creating buildings for Google Earth.”

So how exactly does it work? Google explains: “Basically, you pick a building and construct a model of it using aerial photos and simple 3D shapes – both of which we provide.

“When you’re done, we take a look at your model. If it looks right, and if a better model doesn’t already exist, we add it to the 3D Buildings layer in Google Earth. You can make a whole building in a few minutes.”

via TR

Remember how a week ago we looked at the row brewing between Apple and Google over Google Voice? Well, this time it’s US phone carrier AT&T that’s getting in on the action too.

After a complaint from the carrier to the American Federal Communications Commission (FCC) claiming that Google Voice is blocking calls made to some premium-rate numbers, Google has responded with some force.

Forced to join in

The background to AT&T’s complaint is that it is forced by US common carrier laws to connect certain high-cost calls from its long-distance lines to local networks owned by other operators.

At&T says this means it has no choice but to participate in an unfair system where the local operators sometimes get to share part of those revenues with the owners of the premium-rate lines; often adult services.

Blocks in place

However, it says, Google Voice isn’t bound by law to connect such calls and is simply blocking access to them instead. This, AT&T claims is unfair and it is asking the FCC to intervene. Google, as you might expect, disagrees.

Writing on the Google Public Policy Blog, company lawyer Richard Whitt sets out his defence to AT&T’s claims. He says:

“Google Voice’s goal is to provide consumers with free or low-cost access to as many advanced communications features as possible. In order to do this, Google Voice does [our emphasis] restrict certain outbound calls from our web platform to these high-priced destinations.”

Google is exempt

He justifies the blocks by pointing out the differences between his firm’s service and normal phone companies:

“Unlike traditional carriers, Google Voice is a free, web-based software application, and so not subject to common carrier laws. Google Voice is not intended to be a replacement for traditional phone service – in fact, you need an existing land or wireless line in order to use it.”

Clearly, there’s plenty more mileage in this argument, but why is it relevant to non-US readers? As Whitt says, “AT&T is trying to make this about Google’s support for an open internet.”

Old world, new rules?

In other words, a large traditional company wants the government of its country to interfere in how online software works and is used when it overlaps with its own services.

Google’s argument, therefore, can be applied to similar future debates in any part of the world – do we really want the authorities regulating the fast-moving world of web development just to keep big business happy?

[via TR] ]]> http://brillmagazine.com/google-voice-under-fire-from-att/feed/ 0 http://brillmagazine.com/google-sketchup-7-1-now-available/ http://brillmagazine.com/google-sketchup-7-1-now-available/#comments Tue, 22 Sep 2009 17:32:49 +0000 Christal http://brillmagazine.com/?p=60 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6uvkw3wUiYk

This morning Google announced Google SketchUp 7.1. This new version will be a  free upgrade for existing Pro users, and has emphasis on three important aspects of this easy-to-use (yet powerful and extensible) software: performance, an improved version of LayOut (2.1) and collaboration.

As for performance, the engine has been improved and you will notice that orbiting, zooming and drawing can be quicker and smoother in 7.1, for both PC and Mac editions.

LayOut 2.1, the SU componente that enables you to create presentation boards and design documents straight from your model, has now the ability to apply dimensions to scaled SU models and vector graphics. Based on my personal experience, LayOut is very good to deliver quick construction documents and has helped me a lot working with furniture manufacturers. The new dimension tool is something I was waiting for.

LayOut 2.1 also includes snap to the model, an improveed Freehand tool, lists (bullet or numbered, very useful) in the text area, improved grids and improved copy/paste, making it easier to work with other design softwares. You can see more on the video and images below.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l1Jcgc6luhM

Site Plan dimensioned in LayOut 2.1

(those are not my designs)

As for collaboration, the new features are both in export/import and online capabilities. For example, you can now Import and Export in the COLLADA (COLLAborative Design Activity) format, a 3D file format based on open standards that allows you to easily work exchange information across different 3D softwares (Maya, Poser, 3DS Max, LightWave, Cinema 4D, Softimage XSI, Houdini, Blender, Modo, Strata 3D  and more). With SketchUp Pro 7, you can import and export files in a number of 2D and 3D formats, including DXF, DWG, 3DS, OBJ, XSI, EPS, PDF and more.

Upload component context menu shown for one building among many being modeled

You can now upload components straight from SketchUp to Google’s 3D Warehouse. Previously, you needed to put the component isolated on a new file to upload it. For example, you can now split large city models into buildings, preserve Dynamic Component functionality and more.

And this urban approach gets more and more exciting, as it is now possible to import and export the now popular KMZ format, extending geo-location usage. You can even browse nearby models from inside SketchUp.

And probably one of the most exciting features is the integration with Google Streeview, which allows you to take textures directly from actual views of the city (where available). Imagine how fast and accurate you can model a city or your project’s context with this tools. And if you add collaboration with your teamwork (or other users) with components and nearby models… it becomes a powerful tool.

For more information, download a SU Pro trial version or the Free edition, just go to the Google SketchUp website.

as seen on Archdaily

It was Georges Claude, who introduced the neon signs in 1910 that was exhibited at the Paris Motor Show. It took almost 13 years to draw attention to the customer. People can order your custom neon sign for more business. In Greek, the word means neon gas. From neon lighting was invented after the electric light bulb was invented. In the start of the days of neon, red was only available. However, due to the advancement of technology, new colors became available. Please note that there are nearly 150 different colors on the market that can be used for your custom neon sign.

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Article Source: ArticlesBase.com – How To Bring In More Customers Into Your Business With Neon Signs?