In a slightly unexpected move, Google announced that it had acquired
satellite mapping firm Keyhole. Keyhole’s exciting and
innovative technology allows users to “…fly from space to your home town. Visit
exotic locales such as Maui, Tokyo, Rome and Paris. Satellite imagery makes it
real. Explore restaurants, hotels, parks and schools. Think magic carpet
ride,” according to Keyhole, itself.

In addition to the acquisition, Google has lowered the subscription price from
$69.95/year to $29.95/year. A free 7-day trial of Keyhole is available.

What do applications like Keyhole mean? As Keyhole and applications like it
mature they will be able to do some fantastic things. Imagine moving to a
new town. Keyhole will eventually let you highlight your workplace, search
for apartments (based on information like minimum size and price) and have
them highlighted. In addition, these types of applications will let you see
the typical commute time, let you see movie theatres and so forth near your
place of residence, and generally give you real context.

Keyhole, in its current incarnation, brings the power of maps together with
the power of Yellow Pages, and in real time.

Personally I can’t wait to see how it evolves, and I’m curious to see how
Google integrates this. After all, this is the first real paid-for service
that Google has acquired. Are we seeing Google emerge as more than just a
search and media company? Time will tell. [Jeremy C. Wright]