Google Map’s Street View gets a mobile view and a new camera

Google today announced that the Street View feature of Google Maps will receive a number of updates to commemorate the 15th anniversary of the service. The first is that its iOS and Android apps are getting a new feature that will let you look at old Street View images on your phone. The second is a new, more portable camera that the Tech giant hopes will make it easier to take pictures for Street View in the future.

Google Maps’ desktop version has supported Street View since 2014, allowing users to view how an area has changed over time. Now, though, the iOS and Android apps for the service will have the same capabilities. To access a location’s historical images, press anywhere on the screen when in Street View mode and then tap “see more dates.” Google touts the feature with the claim that it will display imagery dating all the way back to the introduction of Street View in 2007 in regions where it is possible to do so.

Google also announced a new, more portable camera for shooting 360-degree imagery to coincide with Street View’s anniversary. At the moment, the company uses special cars and large backpacks with cameras (called “Trekkers”) to take pictures of the world. With the new camera, all of these features are packed into a device that weighs a little less than 15 pounds (about 6.8kg) and is “roughly the size of a house cat”.

With the camera, Google will be able to take Street View imagery more frequently and more easily around the world. Instead of paying for a fleet of camera-equipped vehicles, Google can simply retrofit its new camera into an existing vehicle. Considering Street View data has already been gathered by tying cumbersome cameras to snowmobiles and Venetian gondolas, Google should be able to strap the new camera to a wide range of new vehicles.

Even though Google is emphasizing the portability of the new camera, the head of Street View’s hardware team, Steven Silverman, thinks that each panorama’s appearance should also be improved.  “The sensors are even higher quality; they’re a lower signal to noise,” Silverman says. “These images are going to be even more beautiful.”  Silverman claims that the cameras are configurable so that lidar sensors may be added if necessary, and that each camera’s seven sensor captures panoramic images at a resolution of 140 megapixels, much like before.

Street View is both a useful tool and a fun new thing (with an intense competitive scene to match). Google’s cameras can also help improve Google Maps data. Google Maps makes use of imagery from Street View to add new companies to the platform, update information regarding company opening hours, and offer information regarding speed limits on roads.

In the coming year, Silverman expects the new camera will be released with the company’s existing cars and Trekkers.