Google: Come See The Softer Side Of Street View

Perhaps tired of all the legal wrangling and even physical altercations over its Street View program, Google has launched a new Street View web site.

The new site offers some useful information about Street View, like a map showing where it’s available and a list of some cities/towns that are being photographed now. (Google admits the list is incomplete, but hey – it’s a step in the right direction.) There are also some soft and cuddly features like an introduction to Pegman, Street View’s mascot/guide. All of the material is written with a focus on simplicity and a clear message that Street View is nothing to fear.

Google is clearly trying to do a better job of introducing Street View to the general public, many of whom continue to gawk and wonder, What on Earth is that strange car with the Google logo and a big camera contraption on its roof? And why is it driving through my neighborhood taking photos? No doubt Google would like to avoid any repeats of that physical confrontation in the UK, and put an end to all the legal battles it’s dealing with as Street View rolls out around the world.