Google’s Panoramio Launches Photosynth-like Flythroughs

Microsoft’s Photosynth is undeniably gorgeous - it lets users “walk” through various locales by stitching together thousands of user-submitted photos to create a virtual 3D environment. Unfortunately, up until today this experience has only been available to Windows users.

Cue Panoramio, a Spanish photo site that Google acquired in May 2007. Panoramio has just launched a new “Look Around” feature that seems like a toned down (but still impressive) version of Photosynth. And because it’s in Flash, you’ll be able to try it out on your Mac.

The site has stitched together photos from areas with high image density (mostly landmarks and city squares) to create its version of walk-through albums. At launch users can choose from sites including the top of the Empire State Building, the Sydney Opera House, and the Taj Mahal.

Users can even create their own “Look Around” destinations by taking 10-20 photos of their favorite places. Panoramio’s system indexes new photos and searches for matches every two weeks.

For more information and available destinations, check out Frank Taylor’s blog and the video below.

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