New Google Earth Beta
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It’s out, but I’m very sad to report that the new version of Google Earth is still calling on Arial as the default Window UI font (not the internal 3D mapping font, which is fine). Why do developers insist on using this instead of Tahoma (or Segoe UI, in the case of Windows Vista)?! Sorry, Google - if this is your first beta of v4.0, you’re already failing miserably in my book.
I posted more about this in tonight’s report, You Live on Google Earth - including stating that this really is a tremendous app that has amazing potential, but I just refuse to look past something as simple as using Arial as the default font in the non-3D experience. At least Google Talk allows you to change the font throughout the entire app!
I am sick and tired of playing the UI heavy around here. Would someone smack the appropriate person over at Google and tell ‘em to get their app act together? It’s great that they’re acquiring great software left-and-right, but it’s not great that they’re not conforming to a single user experience. I’ve given Microsoft hell for this - but they certainly don’t have a monopoly on inconsistent software experiences. I catch hell for stating that Google Earth is still calling on Arial throughout their entire Windows UI (non-nav) - but I’m not going to sit here and say that their software is amazing just because it’s free and it comes from them (Google). It doesn’t look like Google Talk, it doesn’t look like the Google Toolbar, it doesn’t look like Google SketchUp, it doesn’t look like Google Picasa… none of these freakin’ apps look like the other!!! I’d accept that from a startup company, but Google rakes in big bucks and can afford to spend some time on spit and polish. They’re not, and I find that beyond forgivable. I expect better from Google.
6 Comments
MikeB
June 12th, 2006
at 3:18pm
Come on Chris, is there anything you like out there? =)
So they’ve chosen a bad font. How about telling us about some of the stuff you DID like about the new Google Earth?
CB
June 12th, 2006
at 3:23pm
You’re unhappy about the whole application just because of a font???
MikeB
June 12th, 2006
at 10:13pm
Chris is obsessed by user interfaces. I totally agree that the UI of any piece of software is important but Chris is a radical UI activist! =)
I think his blog posts are losing credibility due to the lack of balance in his content. I’ve always enjoyed watching Chris on TV and reading his blog. It’s becoming a little Dvorakian me thinks.
Aaron
June 13th, 2006
at 12:13am
I agree, there is no excuse for a consistent UI. The are user interface guidelines for all platforms, why don’t developers stick to them?
James
June 17th, 2006
at 6:18am
Complaining about a font? are you trying to win the award for the most senile blog poster? what in the living daylights.
Tailrank - Change The World With Google Earth 4
June 21st, 2006
at 12:27pm
[...] nav panel at the bottom of the screen is gone, freeing up more real estate for actual imagery. 31 links Tagged: Chris Pirillo / New Google Earth Beta It’s out, but I’m very sad to reportthat the new version of Google Earth is still calling on Arial as the default Window UI font (not the internal 3D mapping font, which is fine). Why do developers insist on using this instead of Tahoma (or Segoe UI, in the case of Windows Vista)? … # TechBlog / Newest Google Earth beta Just spotted Google Earth 4.0 beta, which offers a simpler interface: We’ve reorganized the data layers to make it easier to find layers and turn them on and off. The nav panel at the bottom of the screen is gone,. … # EirePreneur / For the love of Google please slow down! I’ve barely had time to experiment with Google Spreadsheet and now they’ve launched Google Earth Release 4 - beta . Normally I wouldn’t be too fussed about keeping up with every point release (I’m still on iTunes 6. … # MIT Advertising Lab: future… / Google Earth Now Supports Textures Google has just released Google Earth 4 BETA that, unlike previous versions , supports textures on 3D objects . Earlier: Google Earth Becoming Virtu … # Google Blogoscoped / Google Earth 4 Google released Google Earth 4 , with SketchUp integration and an improved interface. Google writes : var site=”s19tailrank”; [...]