Introducing Google SketchUp
It looks like Google SketchUp is now live. But besides enabling users to put mock ups on Google Earth, I’m having a hard time seeing how this acquisition fits into its Google’s overall search strategy. Still, it looks pretty cool and will probably be great for branding. Plus, I believe that if it’s cool enough, a revenue model will follow.
A free trial version is available for download, but it’s currently only available on Windows. Alternatively, if you’d like to see a great, fully-featured, open-source 3D graphics and animation suite, check out Blender. It’s definitely not as sleek as Google SketchUp, but it’s much more functional.
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Tags: 3D Graphics, Blender, Business, Business Models, Google, Google Sketchup, Internet, Open Source, SaaS, Software, Technology
April 28th, 2006 at 6:49 am
I am also failing to see how this fits in with search technology. Our beloved Goolge may in fact be turning into the corporation giant we all fear. I see Google dethroning Microsoft as the leading software developing company in no time.
June 11th, 2006 at 10:58 am
Google is more than just a search engine. They are organizing the world’s information, right? They are also moving towards a Web Operating System: they have Writely, Google Spreadsheets, Google Calendar, and Gmail…
SketchUp is most likely part of that, but I don’t think it was ever meant to replace Blender, Cinema 4D, Lightwave, Maya 3D, or 3D Studio Max.
I agree it will most likely only apply to Google Earth. But look how they are outsourcing the work to the world for free! Now anyone can help contribute. And if people do, how much more cost-effective is it than paying a huge team of their own to do it? That rocks! :)
I’d call that a very Web 2.0 business strategy, not necessarily a product, even though it may end up doubling as one…
December 16th, 2006 at 12:32 pm
Now that Google Sketch Up remains Free, AND there is the retail Product available, which says it highly cooperates with Maya and all the 3D and 4D (does that mean animation programs?), the earlier posts are open again.
I’m thinking of buying Sketch-up Pro 5, but would welcome pro’s and cons of it vs. another $500 +/- a few hundred “suite.” I’m in the market! (I’m trying to find a 3D program to draw molecular/cellular biology diagrams and with others, a “brain wiring” 3D brain, hopefully Wikipedia style, so others could fill in what’s known–long horizon, I know…)
TIA