Microsoft Adds Virtual Earth Images To Live Search

Microsoft has added Virtual Earth “Birds Eye” panoramas to Live Search image search results. They appear to be live in the US only right now and around selected points of interest (images below) but they’re very striking. You can pan and zoom and switch from a Birds Eye view to aerial or map views and back.

Statue of Liberty

Coit Tower (San Francisco)

Navy Pier (Chicago)

For locations that don’t immediately appear in image search results, users can click on the map link and find a Birds Eye view of a desired location in Virtual Earth. Microsoft should probably consider integrating this into conventional Live Search results as well.