Map wars

Hot on the heels of last month's release of "Google Earth," Microsoft on Monday unveiled a test version of its location-based search tool, "Virtual Earth."

Virtual Earth allows a searcher to enter an address and see a map, an aerial photograph, or an aerial photo overlaid with highway labels. A search field on the upper left lets the user retrieve information on businesses and other sites, which the tool displays in a collapsible pane.

As news of Virtual Earth spread, bloggers immediately tested it out and offered insights and comparisons to Google Earth.

Blog community response:

"I am definitely impressed with MSN maps on first use. First thing that comes across is the load speed. It definitely kicks Google out of the water... Another aspect that stands out is the smooth scrolling."
--Zoliblog

"Virtual Earth makes better use of screen real estate than Google maps...But the one reason why IÂ’m not going to switch over: Google understands context. ThatÂ’s another way of saying it understands what I want it to do."
--Labnotes

"I'm not really rooting for either company, but as a consumer I enjoy benefiting from all of this competition."
--Callahan's Corner