Microsoft has unveilled a technology preview of a new part of its web-based Windows Live Local called Virtual Earth, which includes not only a satellite view like we're used to but also street-level photographs. It's a bit like A9's Block View, but has views in four directions instead of two, and it has a wild driving mode that lets you cruise around the streets like you're actually there. Sort of. It's definitely cool, when "driving" it's hard to stay on the streets and sometimes the views you get are unpredictable. Between this and the 45-degree aerial view that made its debut back in December, Microsoft is definitely up to some very nice stuff with Windows Live Local, but they've got a lot of kinks to work out before it crosses the line into useful. However, in its current state it still might come in handy for people who navigate by landmark. Currently Seattle and San Francisco's city centers are the only areas covered by the photos.