Google's Street View app has hit the Play Store.
Street View version 2.0 is a major update, as it makes what was once a Google Maps feature into its own standalone app. With the new app, users can now easily browse each of the 360-degree photo bubbles that were once once integrated into Maps. It also features the same imagery from past Street View versions, but this time users can now see the imagery in vertical format.
One thing that makes the app unique is it allows users to create their own photospheres as long as their device have a gyroscope built in. The app itself has its own camera software for taking photospheres, and it comes with a walk-through for people who need to know how the process actually works.
"With Google Maps Street View, you can explore the world at street level," says the app description on the Play Store. "See popular landmarks, check out places you want to visit in your hometown, or far away and take a virtual trip around the world."
Google is committed to bring the best Street View experience to its users. In March, the Street View team rigged its cameras to a zipline in the Amazon rainforest to expand its real-world imagery collection. Street View can also take users on a cruise down the Colorado river and on a hike through Asian zoos to catch a close glimpse of giant pandas.
"To use Street View, open Google Maps, search for a place or long-press the map, and tap the Street View option," says Google.
Users can zoom in on the map when they need to view a location. They can also view several points of interest filtered regularly in the app. There are also cards at the bottom of the screen they can page through.
Regular Maps users will notice minor tweaks made to the Street View UI as well as an increase in file size from around 250KB to 30MB. The app requires Android 2.2 or higher to run, and the imagery is available to all users across the globe.
