Microsoft has unveiled what could be the next wave in semi-pointless online mapping features: the Windows Live Local driving mode, which lets you "drive" around downtown Seattle or San Francisco with three street-level views and an aerial shot. For Houstonist, who hasn't been to Seattle in a while, taking a virtual tour was kind of nostalgic. We were able to visit some of our favorite spots, and we think we even saw a few people wearing flannel. (For some reason, Microsoft offers two choices of car: a race car and a sports car. Choosing the race car doesn't make you go any faster, to our dismay.)
Because the driving mode is still a "technology preview," Seattle and SF are the only cities available for now. We look forward to the day Microsoft rolls out a Houston version, which we hope comes complete with a police-chase mode.
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