You Can Now Fly Around Google Earth in an Airplane

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1. 1h ago

   Google Earth now lets you fly its globe in a browser-based airplane simulator

   Google Earth has rolled out an experimental flight simulator accessible directly in web browsers, allowing users to pilot a virtual aircraft over its aerial imagery. The feature is free, requires no downloads, and is available globally. Sources confirm its release on June 12, 2026, but emphasize it remains a basic tool compared to dedicated simulators. User guides and early reviews highlight its ease of access but note limitations in realism or functionality.

   What's confirmed:

   • Google Earth’s flight simulator is now available in web browsers, letting users control a virtual aircraft over its global aerial imagery without downloading software.
   • The feature was introduced on June 12, 2026, as an experimental addition to the Google Earth web app, accessible to desktop users.
   • The simulator uses Google’s existing aerial photo data and allows basic flight controls, including navigation via real aeronautical charts for specific routes.
   • No installation is required—the simulator runs entirely in-browser, making it widely accessible.
   • The tool is free to use and has expanded globally for all web users, though it is described as a simple or basic experience.

   Still unconfirmed:

   • The simulator is positioned as a competitor to Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024, though sources clarify it is not a direct or serious rival in terms of depth or realism.
   • Early user feedback suggests the simulator is harder to master than it appears, with a steeper learning curve than expected.
   • Google may further develop the feature based on user demand, though no official timeline or roadmap has been provided.
   confidence 92%