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Google Earth Android app gets new 3D rendering tech, faster updates, & more

Google announced today that it’s updating Google Earth for Android with several new features including new 3D rendering technology, faster updates, and the ability to “open KML files from Google Drive directly from the Earth app.”

Google described the new 3D rendering tech in a blog post and said users will notice “faster, smoother, and crisper transitions as you’re zooming into your dream destination in Google Earth. Thanks to a new 3D rendering technology—the first major 3D overhaul since Earth launched more than 10 years ago—sharper views of mountains and cities are just a virtual skydive away.”

As for the faster updates, Google said the new Earth app will get updates at the same time as Google Maps for basemaps bringing access to the most up to date information for things like place names, roads, and businesses.

Lastly, the new Earth app for Android introduces support for opening KML files for custom maps directly from Google Drive:

And if you’ve created your own map for Google Earth—whether you’re a teacher preparing a history lesson, a researcher tracking changes in the environment, or just a geospatial enthusiast—you’ll now be able to open your KML files from Google Drive directly in the Earth app, so you can view it on the go.

The updated Google Earth Android app is rolling out to Google Play now and to all users over the next day.

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Avatar for Jordan Kahn Jordan Kahn

Jordan writes about all things Apple as Senior Editor of 9to5Mac, & contributes to 9to5Google, 9to5Toys, & Electrek.co. He also co-authors 9to5Mac’s weekly Logic Pros series and makes music as one half of Toronto-based Makamachine.