Google Takes Street View One Step further with 360-Degree Interiors
Over the past few months Google have been taking their Street View technology into selected businesses in the USA for their new Business Photos pilot. With the permission of business owners Google have been taking 360 interiors of businesses and adding these to the Street View interface on Google maps allowing users to effectively zoom from a global view, to street level and then inside the shop.
Now the technology is stretching further with panoramas being released for selected businesses in Japan (Tenkai in Kyoto shown above), Australia and New Zealand.
This is going to be a very powerful option for those outlets that customers traditionally view online before visiting, especially in the food and beverage and hospitality sector. Hoteliers who are planning to spend thousands on interior 360’s may consider saving their Marketing dollars if Google’s new service comes to their front door.
I am wondering if Google are now looking at ways to allow virtual shoppers to browse a store in Business Photos and then click to purchase products they are viewing through Google Shopping effectively closing the loop on a fully immersive online shopping experience.
Take a virtual tour around some of the businesses already captured here.
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