[modeless]

Google Earth and Google Maps 3D satellite view on desktop web have essentially the same rendering of Street View, which hasn't materially changed in 10 years or more and does not have the features I described. Google Maps on mobile never integrated the 3D satellite view at all, which represents another regrettable lack of investment on Google's part.

People rarely use the Street View feature because it's difficult to access, and difficult to understand spatially. Free camera motion is impossible and the transitions are jerky and stilted. As a result it's relegated to special places in the UI that are rarely visited. If it was seamlessly integrated into satellite view and directions then it would see much more usage.

[jdranczewski]

On Android they've actually rolled out the 3D view in Maps recently! Took them long enough. I now have an "aerial" button in the bottom left corner when viewing Street View imagery that switches between the two.

[modeless]

Whoa, you're right! When did they add that? Why would they bury it like that? Nobody will ever find it there. It should be the main satellite view the way it is on the web.

[infthi]

FWIW mobile maps rolled out "immersive view" (3d view of selected landmarks, e.g. Trafalgar Square, with model from desktop 3d view) a few years ago. That had camera just rotating around the object but now it seemingly allows free camera?

[kccqzy]

Oh I thought the desktop 3D satellite view was powered by combining the regular satellite view and street view. Looks like that’s not the case.