I love maps. I could spend hours exploring where I’ve been and where I’d like to go. It’s fun to switch between map view, satellite view and then “drive around” exploring places in street view.  Sometimes I use Google Maps in the browser, sometimes I use Google Earth on my desktop.

In the past, there’s always been a big performance difference between the “desktop” experience and the “browser” experience. Those lines are beginning to blur, thanks in large part to new standards like WebGL that provide web developers more direct access to the amazing graphics capabilities in modern PCs, like those powered by AMD Radeon™ HD discrete and APU graphics.

That’s why I’m excited about the Google MapsGL announcement. Google MapsGL brings the power of hardware accelerated 3D graphics to Google Maps, providing a better maps experience with smoother transitions, 3D building and ability to “swoop” into Street View without a plug-in.

Here’s a screenshot from my HP Pavilion dm1z powered by the AMD E-350 APU, which has fantastic graphics for such a thin and light notebook…perfect for the new hardware acceleration in Google MapsGL.

Also, check out the MapsGL video posted by Google.

One thing is clear — hardware acceleration is no longer for niche applications. It is used by so many of today’s most popular applications. It can help improve the speed and experience of your favorite software, from browsers to video editing to productivity apps.

I look forward to spending countless more hours roaming the Earth…just a little faster now.

And with plenty of legroom.

Where would you like to see hardware acceleration applied next?

Gabe Gravning is a Senior Product Marketing Manager at AMD. His postings are his own opinions and may not represent AMD’s positions, strategies or opinions. Links to third party sites, and references to third party trademarks, are provided for convenience and illustrative purposes only.  Unless explicitly stated, AMD is not responsible for the contents of such links, and no third party endorsement of AMD or any of its products is implied.