Call me a cynic if you like, but this seems a bit cheeky to me. Google announced in May that users will be soon able to create their own Street View imagery. A new range of 360° cameras and tools would be released with “Street View ready” certification. They are are split into four categories. Mobile, auto (vehicles), VR, and workflow. Now, the first 360° “auto” camera has been approved and announced.

That camera, is the $3,500 Insta360 Pro 8K camera. A $3,500 camera that Google expects you to buy and then drive around with to fill gaps in Street View. Have to be honest, if I’m spending that much money on a camera, the last thing I’m going to be doing is spending yet more money on fuel, not to mention time and processing power, and upload that footage for free.

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