Google Earth on WM?

**terrypin** · 07-15-2010, 07:51 AM

There were many things I liked during the last 3 days playing with my son's iPhone 3GS and many I didn't! But its wealth of Apps was one notable plus point, including Google Earth. Can I get that on my HTC TP2 under WM 6.1 please? I have Google Maps, but I've been a great fan of GE on my PC for years, so I'm more comfortable with that.

As a side issue, what is currently the recommended site that gets closest to the Apple's App Store please?

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Terry, East Grinstead, UK

**Drillbit** · 07-19-2010, 02:50 AM

I believe if Google thinks WM 6.x will remain indefinitely around, they may invest an effort for this. But they won't, as most developers are abandoning development on WM 6.x.

Google Earth is the topmost most popular application being downloaded from the free side of Android Market. That despite it only runs on Android 2.1. Knowing Google's philosophy they want to spread it around, but its not likely they may invest more on WM 6.5 than they have to. Note, the reason why its on Android 2.1 is that the version of the Android with multitouch for pinching and zooming, and you cannot find it on earlier Androids. Given that WM 6.1 to 6.5 has no pinch to zoom, its unlikely GE would ever appear as an app on these platforms. Chances are that GE appearing on WP 7 is much higher since the app requires a multitouch API.

However, you can still run Google Earth from within a browser on WM 6.1, like Opera Mini 5 or Mobile 10. That is what I would suggest.

**terrypin** · 07-19-2010, 04:18 AM

Many thanks Drillbit, appreciate that helpful reply.

I'll try it via my browser, although - as a general feeling - I found the iPhone's browser experience faster and sweeter than my TP2's.

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Terry, East Grinstead, UK

**Deke218** · 07-20-2010, 10:19 AM

Given that WM 6.1 to 6.5 has no pinch to zoom...

There is a version of Google Earth for WM. It came up 5-6 years ago and was never updated. Its not easy to find and even if you did find it, its hard getting it to work.

Also, the HD2 with WM6.5 has pinch to zoom.

**terrypin** · 07-21-2010, 10:02 AM

Thanks Deke218.

I've seen quite a few negative comments about WM6.5 so have not upgraded from 6.1. What's the general consensus? Is it worth it?

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Terry, East Grinstead, UK

**MasonDoctorJT** · 07-24-2010, 10:25 AM

Originally Posted by Drillbit

I believe if Google thinks WM 6.x will remain indefinitely around, they may invest an effort for this. But they won't, as most developers are abandoning development on WM 6.x.

Google Earth is the topmost most popular application being downloaded from the free side of Android Market. That despite it only runs on Android 2.1. Knowing Google's philosophy they want to spread it around, but its not likely they may invest more on WM 6.5 than they have to. Note, the reason why its on Android 2.1 is that the version of the Android with multitouch for pinching and zooming, and you cannot find it on earlier Androids. Given that WM 6.1 to 6.5 has no pinch to zoom, its unlikely GE would ever appear as an app on these platforms. Chances are that GE appearing on WP 7 is much higher since the app requires a multitouch API.

However, you can still run Google Earth from within a browser on WM 6.1, like Opera Mini 5 or Mobile 10. That is what I would suggest.

Ummm, Then why on my HD2 with WM 6.5 can I pinch to Zoom?

**Drillbit** · 07-28-2010, 03:30 AM

That ability is added by HTC to a select number of phones but its not in the stock Windows Mobile 6.5 itself.

I can mention a parallel situation, for example, the HTC Desire has selective text manipulation, almost like, well, it works better than the iPhone OS. But this ability is not on stock Android either.