Google launches ‘Street View’ in India

Search engine giant Google today launched its ambitious "Street View" project in India, which would offer detailed panoramic images of the life in a country of 1.2 billion people.

The 360-degree photographic mapping service, already operating across 25 countries, would start gathering data in the southern city of Bangalore, a technology hub which is home to many internet firms.

We are launching the street view project from Bangalore as it is the IT capital of India where IT-savvy users will be able to leverage the benefits of the facility optimally, " Google India product head Vinay Goel told the media in Bangalore at a preview of its latest product.

In a statement, the internet search giant said that information collected by special cameras mounted on cars and three-wheelers would allow users around the world access to street-level imagery of the city.

"It will be as good as walking down the street from the comfort of your desktop or mobile device," the firm said.

The firm offered no details about its plans for expansion of the project across the country. Street View has gained much popularity in many countries after its launch in the US in 2007, but has also run into trouble with several governments over privacy issues.