31 October 2011 | Author: R Wood Media Intern
Google has launched a pilot project that lets users take Street View indoors for an inside look at popular spots like restaurants, hotels and shops, along with more unusual interiors like gyms and vehicle repair workshops.
The initial rollout is limited to London and Paris, along with several other cities in Japan, Australia, New Zealand, and the United States.
To help avoid privacy complaints, the new scheme will roll out on a voluntary basis, where business owners can opt in to be included.
For the time being, large chains, hospitals and lawyers' offices will all be excluded from eligibility
A Google spokesperson told the BBC: "Building on the Google Art Project, which took Street View technology inside 17 acclaimed museums, this project is another creative implementation of Street View technology, to help businesses as they build their online presence."
"We hope to enable businesses to highlight the qualities to make their locations stand out through professional, high-quality imagery."
Google creates the 360-degree images using fish-eye and wide-angle lens cameras to give users a virtual glimpse inside some of their favourite shops and restaurants.
However, the search seraph also noted that business owners must warn customers and employees prior to the photo shoot, and similar to Street View, will blur out or refuse to publish images of bystanders.
Sarah Cordey from the British Retail consortium said: "Retail is always a competitive sector, but this is particularly true at a time of failing disposable incomes.
"Many retailers are increasing their online presence and use of technological innovations, to this is a development some businesses will no doubt consider with interest."
Street view ventures indoors
Google has launched a pilot project that lets users take Street View indoors for an inside look at popular spots like restaurants, hotels and shops, along with more unusual interiors like gyms and vehicle repair workshops. The initial rollout is limited to London and Paris, along with several other cities in Japan, Australia, New Zealand, and the United States.
To help avoid privacy complaints, the new scheme will roll out on a voluntary basis, where business owners can opt in to be included.
For the time being, large chains, hospitals and lawyers' offices will all be excluded from eligibility
A Google spokesperson told the BBC: "Building on the Google Art Project, which took Street View technology inside 17 acclaimed museums, this project is another creative implementation of Street View technology, to help businesses as they build their online presence."
"We hope to enable businesses to highlight the qualities to make their locations stand out through professional, high-quality imagery."
Google creates the 360-degree images using fish-eye and wide-angle lens cameras to give users a virtual glimpse inside some of their favourite shops and restaurants.
However, the search seraph also noted that business owners must warn customers and employees prior to the photo shoot, and similar to Street View, will blur out or refuse to publish images of bystanders.
Sarah Cordey from the British Retail consortium said: "Retail is always a competitive sector, but this is particularly true at a time of failing disposable incomes.
"Many retailers are increasing their online presence and use of technological innovations, to this is a development some businesses will no doubt consider with interest."
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