“Google 地图”全新升级

Google has upgraded its mapping tools, making it easier and more accessible for users. The online search giant said 4 times more land will be covered in the latest version of its free Google Earth software, that'll enable about 1/3 of the world's population to obtain an aerial view of their homes and neighborhoods. The software also is being offered in German, Spanish, French and Italian. The application now runs on the Linux operating system, a breakthrough likely to broaden the product's appeal.

Meanwhile Google Maps, the company's service for finding directions has emerged as a major challenger to the long-time leaders in the category, AOL's Mapquest and Yahoo!. According to Neilson Net Ratings, Google Maps attracted 26 million U.S. visitors last month, to rank third behind Mapquest at 43.5 million visitors and Yahoo at 26.1 million.

For all its inroads in mapping, the company still hasn't provided a clear plan for making money from the products, much to the dismay of Wall Street analysts¹. Google addressed that concern on Monday by announcing it will license² usage of its online maps to businesses and government agencies that wanna customize the service. The licenses³ expected to begin at about $10,000 annually⁴ will include support from Google's engineering staff.

1 analysts   

分析家，化验员( analyst的名词复数 )

参考例句：

• City analysts forecast huge profits this year. 伦敦金融分析家预测今年的利润非常丰厚。
• I was impressed by the high calibre of the researchers and analysts. 研究人员和分析人员的高素质给我留下了深刻印象。

2 license   

n.执照，许可证，特许；v.许可，特许

参考例句：

• The foreign guest has a license on the person.这个外国客人随身携带执照。
• The driver was arrested for having false license plates on his car.司机由于使用假车牌而被捕。

3 licenses   

n.执照( license的名词复数 )v.批准，许可，颁发执照( license的第三人称单数 )

参考例句：

• Drivers have ten days' grace to renew their licenses. 驾驶员更换执照有10天的宽限期。 来自《现代汉英综合大词典》
• Jewish firms couldn't get import or export licenses or raw materials. 犹太人的企业得不到进出口许可证或原料。 来自辞典例句

4 annually   

adv.一年一次，每年

参考例句：

• Many migratory birds visit this lake annually.许多候鸟每年到这个湖上作短期逗留。
• They celebrate their wedding anniversary annually.他们每年庆祝一番结婚纪念日。