Google Earth 6.2 update removes ‘quilt effect’, adds Google+ sharing and autocomplete

  Grand Canyon before and after Google Earth 6.2’s improved image rendering 

Google just dropped the latest release of Google Earth, version 6.2, bringing with it a new method of rendering imagery that does away with the “quilt effect” (pictured above, left) created when stitching together various images. According to Google’s blog post introducing the update, the new rendering process “preserves the unique textures of the world’s most defining geographic landscapes.” Google said the change will appear on all versions of Google Earth, but the 6.2 release is optimized for the ideal viewing experience.

The 6.2 Google Earth release also includes new sharing features giving you the ability to share screenshots of virtual locations from the app on Google+. Other improvements in the update include a redesigned search panel and the Auto complete feature already available on other services like Google Maps. You will also now have access to walking, bike, and transit directions and “search layers” with relevant results beyond the usual top 10). Google explained the new search layers in its blog post:

We’ve also introduced search layers, which will show all the relevant search results (not just the top ten), so now, when looking for gelato in Milano, you can see all the tasty possibilities.

You can download Google Earth version 6.2 for PC, Mac, or Linux now.