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Google just made becoming Superman in virtual reality a lot easier.

How so?Jerome Deeds Archives

The search giant finally answered the requests of many VR users by opening Google Earth VR up to Oculus Rift users, and the update includes Oculus Touch controller support.

SEE ALSO: Oculus Rift promised us the future of VR. Here's what really happened.

For the uninitiated, Google Earth VR takes the stunning 3D rendered landscapes and buildings available on the desktop version of Google Earth and allows you to immerse yourself in the Google Earth environment. In addition to the mind-bending immersion, the VR version of the app allows you to effectively "fly" around the Earth like Superman (yes, really) and even change day to night with a simple controller move.

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Since its release last year, the app has easily been one of the quickest ways to impress VR newbies with the wonders of the virtual world. The only problem is that the app has only been available on the HTC Vive headset, until now.

The update to Google Earth VR also includes the ability to open a keyboard in mid-air and search for a location to be transported there instantly instead of having to fly around the globe looking for a location.

This update to Google Earth VR comes on the same day that Google Earth has been ported to the Chrome browser, in addition to a few other new treats woven into the desktop version.

If you've never tried either version of Google Earth, you're missing out on what is unquestionably the best way to explore the planet from the often imagined "god view." On desktop it's amazing, but in VR it might make you start cursing out loud in awe, just like I did. Oh, and best of all, Google Earth VR is free.

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Topics Oculus Virtual Reality

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