This week’s FWD covers the launch of Google’s immersive views in Google Maps. This new feature is currently restricted to landmarks but Google plans to apply this to restaurants and neighborhoods so users can check how they look before visiting.

Google first introduced the idea of immersive views at the Google IO 2022 conference, with the aim to create 3D models of landmarks by fusing Street View, satellite, and aerial images. Following this, the company has now rolled out immersive views of more than 100 places across the world including Barcelona, London, New York, and Toyko.

News:

• Following news of the Minecraft NFT ban, NFT World announce they will create a new game based on many of the core mechanics of Minecraft and allow NFT integration.
• Twitch streamlines its donation process by introducing ‘Charity Mode’ to help facilitate cause-conscious gamers and creators on the platform to raise money for charity.

Start-up:

• Youli is a travel booking platform for groups and businesses alike. With its end-to-end software, trips can be planned with a travel budget and an hourly itinerary—all on the same platform.

Insights:

• YouTube announces new Shopify Integration, Expanded In-stream Commerce Tools and Listings to further integrate Ecommerce.
• Meta announces $150 million spend on ‘Metauniversity’, which will bring immersive learning to schools and educational institutions.
• Running Stories, the new audio-tainment platform, turns running routes into immersive experiences using live data.
• Netflix continues to invest in its content machine with the acquisition of the animation studio behind the LEGO Movie.