Fair amount of chatter recently about a new service expected to launch later in 2011 - a 3D interactive guide to destinations around the world.
3rd Planet is a Singapore-based technology company which has been throwing around a fair number of lofty claims in recent weeks about how it building a "new dimension" to discovering destinations, using a cutting edge web technology and graphics.
The tool, which doesn't have a public launch date as yet, is a cross between Google Earth and Maps, a 3D platform game and destination guide.
The gaming element is a strong part of the product (it is looking for developers with that particular experience after all), with users of the tool eventually being able to interact within the system.
At this stage the service looks like it'll be both a B2B and B2C product, with tourism boards and destination services able to "place strategic messages" on the platform while consumers play around.
Here is a clip:
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SGTaTGYNrEg
NB: Here is a brochure.