Google Earth plugin for Windows

Google has released an API that allows web developers to use Google Earth on a website.

Google Earth plugin is an extension for Internet Explorer and Firefox that displays the contents of pages that have integrated Google Earth which should not be confused with Google Maps.

Features like views and buildings in 3D or Google Sky are available on Google Earth plugin.

Without doubt, this application is a most exciting opportunity for web developers, who will be able to perform all sorts of operations on Google maps. Click here to see some examples.

Is the end of Google Earth as a standalone application in our near future?