Google brings Earth flight simulator to the web
What's the story
Google has announced that its flight simulator feature is now available on the web, making it more accessible than ever. The feature was previously a hidden gem in the desktop version of Google Earth since 2007. However, you can now access it directly from your browser without downloading or installing any apps.
User guide
How to access the flight simulator on Google Earth
To use this feature, simply go to the Google Earth website and click on the "Explore Earth" button at the top right corner of the page. From there, you can find "Flight Simulator" as the last option in the Tools section of the site's top menu bar. For an enhanced experience, it is recommended to change Google Earth's basemap type from Map to Satellite for a more realistic view.
User experience
Controls and tips for using the flight simulator
The controls of the flight simulator on Google Earth are simple to remember but may take some time to master. Google has provided a help page that explains how to use your keyboard or mouse for controlling your aircraft. While it doesn't offer the same level of complexity as games like Microsoft Flight Simulator, it still takes practice to navigate without crashing into terrain.