New Virtual Earth Release Launches

The Windows Live Local blog announced a new minor point release that packs in lots of new features. First, the Birds Eye navigation control has been replaced, the thumbnail grid is out and a very cool new draggable inset map is in. Much easier and much more intuitive.

Another very useful new feature: the drawing tools now report distance as you draw in a tooltip, and when you're done drawing, the distance appears on the scratchpad. Use this with in a Collection, and catalog bike trips, jogging runs or favorite drives. In addition to the distance feature, drawing on a map will now auto-scroll in the direction you are drawing if you come to the edge of the view, and you can extend previously drawn routes.