REDMOND, Wash., May 7 -- Microsoft Corp. today announced updates to its Photosynth technology that enable commercial use through integration with Microsoft Virtual Earth. The Photosynth integration into Virtual Earth signifies the first release designed to enable businesses to use Photosynth in commercial applications.

Photosynth software analyzes digital photographs and generates a 3-D model by "stitching" the photos together. These models, or "synths," can now be viewed using Silverlight technology across multiple platforms. Virtual Earth brings together features, functionality and content that help consumers, businesses, citizens and governments bring location to life. It helps businesses and governments share location-based information, build better connections with consumers or citizens, and helps organizations make better operational decisions. With the integration of Photosynth into Virtual Earth customers will be able to create detailed 3-D views of anything from places to products and from hotels to homes.

"The integration of Microsoft Photosynth into Virtual Earth marks an important step in enabling businesses to use Photosynth in a relevant, customer-friendly way," said Jeff Kelisky, general manager, Mapping and Local Search at Microsoft. "With the integrated capabilities of Photosynth and recently added Silverlight API, our Virtual Earth partners have great tools for creating, sharing, viewing and embedding synths across multiple platforms, and building engaging experiences."

Potential applications of the new offering may include these:

Real estate. Showing homebuyers the inside and outside of properties with interactive views Tourism and hospitality. Giving an early 3-D and interactive view of hotels, resorts or cities Retail. Enabling customers to see the insides of branches and stores, and browse products in great detail Media and entertainment. Allowing media companies to create and share visual projects in a controlled environment, and build compelling campaigns and programs with new media Public sector. Giving citizens rich detail on public services, buildings, land use and more Internal business use. Using unlisted synths for location-based information, such as insurance risk assessment and claim processing

About Microsoft Virtual Earth

The Virtual Earth platform is Microsoft's next-generation integrated set of powerful online mapping and search services that offer a variety of capabilities, including unique bird's-eye view,* three-dimensional imagery, and aerial and satellite imagery. The Virtual Earth platform also powers a variety of consumer, enterprise and government applications that enable people to discover and explore a specific location. Virtual Earth powers Live Search Maps, Microsoft's online local search and mapping Web site. More information about the Virtual Earth platform is available at http://www.microsoft.com/virtualearth/default.mspx