Microsoft has launched the first public beta of its Virtual Earth, which is similar to Google Earth in the fact that it will overlay satellite images with local search and maps. Microsoft has announced that later this year in the next beta of the product, users will be able to view cities, landmarks and other points of interest from a birds-eye view. Another new feature with Microsoft's offering is a "locate me" feature, which uses WiFi access points within reach of the user's computer to locate where they are and allow them to search within the area. [co-published with geekCoffee]

In future releases, Microsoft has said that Virtual Earth will allow users to create their own interactive maps, along with posting reviews of restaurants and other places.

Currently, the Virtual Earth product only supports the United States, and is available at http://virtualearth.msn.com .