It's official... Google Will Apply to Participate in FCC Spectrum Auction

Google's formal application to participate in the 700 MHz auction will be filed with the FCC on Monday, December 3, 2007. Some details... As part of the nationally mandated transition to digital television, the 700 MHz spectrum auction -- which begins January 24, 2008 -- will free up spectrum airwaves for more efficient wireless Internet service for consumers. Advocacy by public interest groups and Google earlier this year helped ensure that regardless of which bidders win a key portion of the spectrum up for auction (the so-called "C Block"), they will be required to allow their users to download any software application they want on their mobile device, and to use any mobile devices they would like on that wireless network. The winner must ensure these rights for consumers if the reserve price of $4.6 billion for the C Block is met at auction.

Google Terrain Maps and some cool effects

I'm glad to see the Terrain button option now available on Google maps - see the upper left area next to the Satellite option. This enables users to now view a topo map style rendering with 3D hillshading. At first it may not be that impressive, if your in a flat area, however, once you move to an area with relief (like by Estes Park) the effect is very slick. This is a nice start... now I want to be able to create a 3D hillshading effect by draping the terrain over a streetmap view, maybe use a slider to change the transparency, then I also want to tilt the map and spin it around like in Google earth.. no doubt that's coming down the road I bet! Nice stuff Google. A tip, try adding some google mapplets, like contour lines to the terrain for some cool effects!

The Google Terrain map option


Viewing a Terrain view near Estes Park, CO

Add some contours using a Google Mapplet fur some cool effects!

Housefront Home Value mashup

Looking for home values? No worries, try this useful mashup at housefront. Simply enter the address and the property along with estimate is provided. Optionally, send the results to your mobile. see http://www.housefront.com