What would be more interesting to me is if they can use some of the more sophisticated image-based rendering approaches, especially the idea of plenoptic warping of images — e.g., take a gigipixel sphere and warp it such that it’s image data could be used for a much larger set of POVs with a more correct 3D feel. I doubt they’ll do anything so fancy at first. But there’s plenty of room to grow. My guess is that the first version will show some iconic form of the gigapixel spheres that you can click on and fly “into,” taking over your mouse controls until you click out and back to the Earth. Even with just that much, it’ll make for a good experience if they handle the controls properly.

how the 360 panoramas of old fit into GE from a tech perspective