Microsoft's MSN division will add to its search engine in about two weeks a local search index for finding business directory listings, and later on will enhance this local index with MSN Virtual Earth, a new free service that will pinpoint places in maps and satellite images.
MSN Virtual Earth was demonstrated for the first time on Monday at an event hosted by Microsoft Chairman and Chief Software Architect Bill Gates. Microsoft officials said it will become available at some point during the U.S. summer, which means it will be released at some point between June 21 and September 22.
In addition to complementing MSN's local search index, MSN Virtual Earth will let users overlay maps and satellite photos in order to create hybrid images that combine the best of both mediums, said Stephen Lawler, general manager of Microsoft's MapPoint unit.