Google Earth VR app now supports Oculus Rift headsets

Google Earth VR, an app that brings stunning 3D rendered landscapes and buildings on the desktop version of Google Earth, is undoubtedly one of the coolest ways to witness the wonders of the virtual world.

Until now, this app was available only to HTC Vive headset users. However, now the gate is open for Oculus Rift users too with simultaneous support for Oculus Touch controllers.

In a blog post, Joanna Kim, Product Manager, Earth VR wrote, "Today we're bringing Earth VR to Oculus Rift with support for Oculus Touch controllers."

Kim further added, "Google Earth VR gives you the opportunity to easily explore the world and discover new places. We made sure that navigating the planet in Earth VR on Rift with Touch feels natural, comfortable, and immersive so that even more people can fly over cities and stand on top of mountains in VR. We thought a lot about the button mapping to make sure it was intuitive and took advantage of the Touch controllers’ precise analogue sticks, which are a great fit for the way you move around in Earth VR."

Google has also added other features to the Earth VR app, including a new search feature for the app, which allows users to search for any place where they want to go on the app itself.

Basically, this feature displays a VR keyboard that users can command with headset’s controllers. This VR keyboard works with user writing by simply pointing at the letters he wants to input.

The tech giant has also added 27 new locations to explore, including South Africa’s Table Mountain and Argentina’s Perito Moreno Glacier to expand the reach of the platform on VR.

In addition, Google Earth VR will be available in Oculus Store as well.

Google Earth VR is available on Steam for free. Now, go explore!