Google Is Killing Google Earth Pro (Desktop)

What’s happening?

When I opened my Google Earth application on my laptop today, I got surprised with a message from Google. The desktop app will no longer be available for download after June 25, 2027. So, if you came to love the app on your computer, please download it now and save it future use. Even if you have it already installed, download the installer for your operating system so you can re-install it if you must reset your system or get a new computer.

A concern is still; will you be able to install Google Earth Pro (Desktop) after you downloaded the installer? Because the installer is just a “web-installer” and downloads all the files from the internet. 

So, you can use it as long as it is already installed on your computer, but once need to re-install it, you might be out of luck. Only time will tell…

Google confirmed that the software, if installed, will continue to work after the deadline. For how long, we won’t know. Also, the software will not receive any future updates anymore. 

What’s the future?

Google Earth is not going away at all, but Google is transitioning it to the web version. Which adds more tools and of course AI features. How can you not have an AI feature in every possible software nowadays. 

The web version definitely has more features but that also comes at a price. You need to buy credits now if you want to use more advanced version of Google Earth. The upgrade fees are hefty. 

However, for most of us, the basic/free version is probably enough. 

Why does it matter?

I used Google Earth and Google Maps a lot to plan for shoots and scout shooting locations before I even arrive on site. It is a very helpful tool to get information about any location on the planet. So, it is a great help and resource for me.

You can transition all your projects to the web version. Here are detailed instructions on how to do that. 

I already secured the installer for Google Earth Pro (Desktop). Even though we are still one year away from the deadline, I don’t think the software will receive many updates anymore. I will definitely keep checking. As mentioned earlier, I am also not sure, even though I have the installer, if I will be actually able to install it again. 

What’s your take on that?

[Images courtesy of Google]

Peter

Peter is an award-winning photographer who travels all over the world to capture the beauty of our planet as well as the achievements of humanity. Follow Peter on his travel blog Gate to Adventures for more amazing places to go and explore.

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