Google Maps just added a Webcams layer, which updates locations with live views from webcams in the area. Somebody better tell those villagers to get their pitch forks out again, because here comes another privacy protest.
Google Street View sparked outrage when it rolled out in the UK last month, but the newest option, Google Maps Webcams, could trigger privacy concerns and angry mobs all over again.
Hit the ‘More’ option while viewing a location on Google Maps and you’ll see an option to show webcams. Tiles of public webcams streaming from www.webcams.travel will spring up across the map, so you’ll be able to see up to date snapshots of Oxford city centre, the London skyline, or even Streatham High Road, strangely.
Google Maps Webcams only works with webcams synced to the www.webcams.travel website, so don’t worry, your Skype video chats won’t be posted online for the world to see. There are only a handful in the UK at the moment, but if this takes off it could prove a useful backup tool for the Google Maps Traffic layer before your morning commute. Google Maps Webcams is ready to be flicked on now, so check it out for yourself.
Out Now | £free | Google
