In a move that will allow users to easily share pictures of locales they're visiting, and enrich Google Maps, Google has introduced a new destination called "Views," for sharing Android photo spheres, online.
According to a
blog post by the Internet giant,Views is essentially a community site that allows users to share their photo spheres by contributing them to Google Maps.
Photo spheres are essentially 360 degree panoramas that can be created with Android devices including Nexus phones and the new Nexus 7 tablet, running Android 4.2 or higher versions of the OS. Users can also share panorama photos clicked through their DSLR cameras.
Users need to sign-in to the Views site with their Google+ credentials and click on the blue camera button on the top right of the page, following which they will be able to import their existing photo spheres from their Google+ photos.
They will also be able to upload 360 degree photo spheres to the Views site from the Gallery in their Android phone by tapping "Share" and then selecting Google Maps.
Users will get their own Views page, with photo spheres shared by them, along with their descriptions and position on a map.
Views also includes the Street View Gallery, through which users can check out panoramas of Google's most popular Street View collections, including the Grand Canyon and the Swiss Alps. This can be done by clicking on "Explore" at the top of the Views site to browse a map of these special collections along with the photo spheres shared by users.
However, it's not known how Google will take care of users sharing pictures of sensitive areas and places where photography is prohibited.