14 DAY TRIAL // Google is pushing ahead with Street View despite the numerous controversies surrounding the product. Some countries are more welcoming than others though and it looks like the latest venture is getting a warmer reception. Google has just launched the service in Singapore making it the first country in South Asia to get Street View and one of the first in the region after Japan, Australia, New Zealand and Taiwan. While countries like Japan or Germany had more than a few issues with the service, in Singapore the local government is excited about the image and tourism opportunities it opens up.
“STB is very excited by Street View’s marketing potential as it will further raise Singapore’s prominence and reach through the Internet. People unfamiliar with Singapore can now get a first look at our city,” Mr Ken Low, assistant chief executive of Marketing, with the Singapore Tourism Board (STB), said.
“The convenience of Google Maps, and the Street View feature, will give people from anywhere in the world a much better idea and picture of what Singapore looks like, and what it has to offer and we welcome private sector initiatives such as these which help us add value to our visitors’ experiences,” he added.
The feature is now live on Google Maps and can be accessed directly through the local version at maps.google.com.sg. Google has done a good job photographing the city and covers virtually every inch of the city / country. Apart from the novelty factor, Street View provides a very useful service for the country's citizens and especially for those planning to visit Singapore.
It remains to be seen if the public is as enthusiastic about the service as the country's government as Street View has been the center of unwanted attention more than once. Japan and several European countries have raised concerns about the privacy issues and Google has had to reshoot several cities in Japan and also make several concessions in Germany.