Microsoft Virtual Earth Team Takes Control of 3D Photosynth Engine

Amid the cash cows, Microsoft has been know venture into pretty intriguing areas and pursue ambitious technological scenarios. Some involve massive touchscreen walls and tables for easy, ultra-rich living. (See: Microsoft Surface) Something like Photosynth, meanwhile, which the company introduced many months ago to quite rapt attention from some observers in the media, is perhaps more attainable for the everyman. In short, Photosynth is a virtual environment that, through algorithmic processing, is able to establish a three-dimensional environment from photographs taken in a particular area. And from this point forward, Photosynth is also officially divested of its exclusive Live Labs tag, and is now fully funded and backed by Microsoft’s Virtual Earth team. One step closer to real-world implementation, it seems. Chris... [read full story]