Google quietly released a new version of its Earth application, a downloadable program that allows users to view satellite maps straight from their desktop. Although there is no official announcement for a new release, Google Earth version 4.1 Beta is now available for all users. As Google Earth Blog reports, there are some important changes in the latest version that can enhance the results offered by the application. First of all, this latest release is available for both compatible platforms, Windows and Mac OS X. Because the new version can be also used on Apple's systems, Google Earth now allows Mac owners to implement the functionality of SpaceNavigator, a special navigation device that helps users view imagery with ease.

Just after the first run of Google Earth, you should be able to see another improvement. The application is now displaying tips on the first screen that will surely help some of the inexperienced users get better results. According to the same source, there are also several new languages included in Google Earth such as Portuguese, Korean, Arabic and Polish.

"Starting Location - there is a new starting location added to your "My Places". I'm told by Google you get a different starting location depending on what country version of Google Earth you use. For me, I get a placemark for Lawrence, Kansas," Google Earth Blog presented one of the new features.

Now, the most important improvement included into Google Earth 4.1 beta is the interoperability with Google Maps, a function that allows users to view a certain location in the online version of the service. At the top of the window, there is a new button entitled "View in Google Maps" that helps you transfer your location to Google Maps and open a browsing session.