Google released a plug-in, currently for Windows browsers only, that allows you to embed the Earth application inside the browser. Existing Google Maps mashups can use some of the functionality right away just by adding the G_SATELLITE_3D_MAP map type. Even more exciting is that you can interact more deeply with the map—including camera angles, KML layers, and 3D models—right from Javascript. I'm so eager to go find a PC to play around with this that I'll let the video speak for itself.

Also worth noting is that Google just released an official Maps API for Flash AS3. Call me a fanboy, but I think my head is spinning.

Google Earth API
Some Example Applications
Maps API for Flash

A few days ago, this video appeared with Matthieu Deru and Simon Bergweiler showing off a hack that allows them to surf Google Earth using a Wii. Unfortunately, there weren't too many details about how it was accomplished and I couldn't track down any source for the C# application that talks to the bluetooth device.

What I did find was this other clip from almost a month ago (?!?) in which Daniel Schneider demonstrates using the Wii Balance Board to navigate the web in Firefox.

That's right. You can actually surf the web:

He's using the latest version of GlovePIE (v0.3) to accomplish this. As far as I can tell, it's still very alpha, and the WiiLi wiki claims it's buggy, but it does appear to work. Daniel has some pointers to how he's configured things, including the Greasemonkey script that allows you to surf without clicking.

For more information on coding GlovePIE scripts that use the Balance Board, peek at the documentation.rtf file that's packaged with the GlovePIE download. There's information around page 70 that describes how the board functions and how to pull the 4 sensor values from each of its feet.

Using GlovePIE and Firefox with the Nintendo Wii Balance Board
GlovePIE

So, you pedal this stationary bike to pick up speed and take off. Then you manipulate various hand levers and the handlebars to affect the elevator, aileron and rudder controls. It's never been so fun to fly around the Earth. In your living room. On a bike.

Mike's Flying Bike for Google Earth

I guess it's been available for a few months, but I just noticed that there's a Ruby API for Google SketchUp. Looks like a cool tool for extending the building interface, integrating SketchUp entities with external software, and building procedural stuff, like making terrain or stairs.

Here's a video of SketchUp developer Mark Limber talking about some of the possible ways to extend the software with the Ruby API.

Google SketchUp Ruby API - Link
SketchUp API Blog - Link

The latest version of Google Earth contains a hidden feature: a full-fledged flight simulator! Press Command+Option+A in OS X or Ctrl+Alt+A on a PC or Linux box and you'll be greeted with a hidden dialog box that lets you choose an aircraft (F16 or SR22) and an airport. Once you've made you selection, you'll be placed inside the aircraft. You can then fly around the globe in a free flight simulator, viewing the scenery that is pulled from Google Earth's map files.

I wasn't able to get things to work at first, so if the key combo doesn't work for you, try zooming way into Earth and try again. It seems like you can't activate the feature when you are out in space looking down on the eath. Once you've activated the feature, it will be available from the Tools menu.

Force feedback joysticks are supposed to be supported, though I've only been able to test with a mouse and keyboard. The basic controls are PageUp/Dn for thrust, G for gear up/down, Left/Right for aileron, Up/Dn for elevator and Shift+Left/Shift+Right for rudder. You can also click the screen to enable the mouse to control the aileron and elevator controls. See the link at the bottom for the full set of controls.

Google Earth Flight Simulator - Link
Keyboard Controls - Link
Download Google Earth - Link