Google Street View

Street View was first launched in 2007 and is available in nine countries, including the US, New Zealand, France and Japan. Its UK version consists of video of more than 20,000 miles of British streets.

COMPLAINTS

Google's launch of its mapping service Street View in the UK, which lets users take virtual walks around the streets of 25 British cities, has been met with complaints about invasion of privacy. Certain images - one of a man vomiting outside a pub for example - have already been removed. However, before we start getting all George Orwell about it, we should remember that Street View blurs out faces and licence plates. Anyone worrying that they might be spotted freeing their stomach near an ale house should probably relax.

HOW IT WORKS

Users search for a specific address and are then given the chance to wander the area using the special "Pegman" icon, or by clicking on the white arrows.

A REAL STROLL

So is it any good? Well, the images are fine, but moving around is a bit stop start.  After a while you begin to think that a good walk might be nice. Although some might be tempted to stay wandering around Street View in search of Wally, the popular children's book character who has been hidden away somewhere.