You thought Superman was just a figment of imagination of its comic book creators, Joe Shuster and Jerry Siegel?

I got news for you: You were right – then. But … not anymore!

Yes, Superman is real and alive and flying high all over the world, seeing many things all at once with his super vision!

Superman

And if you think that’s already earth-shakingly astonishing, read this: He’s not alone.

Yes, Superman has got company! Another Superman, may be a clone or a twin. And they’re at each other’s throats!

No, I assure you, this is not fiction stuff. No, I assure you, yours truly hasn’t gone nuts.

Okay, okay here’s the story: The Superman I’m blabbering about is no other than Google. And the other Superman is Microsoft.

Like the comic-book Superman, Google and Microsoft are soaring above the skies and providing vivid real-world views of major cities across the planet.

Google and Microsoft are now on a colossal battle for the eyes of online travelers as they offer rival Internet mapping services.

Google Maps and Earth on Tuesday, May 29, launched Street View — a feature that gives pedestrian-eye looks at parts of San Francisco, New York, Las Vegas, Denver, Miami, and renowned technology Mecca Silicon Valley in northern California.

Google Street View

Street View “will soon be expanded to other metropolitan areas,” according to director of Google Earth and Maps, John Hanke.

“With Street View users can virtually walk the streets of a city, check out a restaurant before arriving, and even zoom in on bus stops and street signs to make travel plans,” Hanke said in a blog posting at the Google website.

The same day, Microsoft Live Search Maps began offering three-dimensional, photo-realistic views of cities “with perspectives that few people apart from Superman have ever seen.”

Microsoft said its map service provides “birds-eye” views of cities in Britain, Canada, and the United States and will expand to include more cities worldwide by the end of summer.

The free Microsoft maps come with services for finding businesses, reviews and directions. Microsoft’s Live Maps already incorporates street-level imagery into its service.

Camera icons on Google’s map of the United States indicate places where online visitors can zoom in and explore city streets complete with traffic, people and 360-degree panoramic views.

The static street scenes are seamless compilations of photographs, prompting some concerns about privacy because people, homes and cars are clearly caught in the images.

Yes, Big Brother Supermen are here, there and everywhere. So if you’re thinking of doing something with your girlfriend or boyfriend inside a car, watch out! Your “hot” images might just be seen all over the planet!

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